Abstract
We report microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Mg alloy AZ31 processed by a new severe plastic deformation technique which combines forward extrusion, equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) and change channel angular extrusion (CCAE). Under all of the processing temperatures ranging from 623 K to 723 K, the grain size of the as-extruded sample was remarkably refined, which is attributed to the grain subdivision and dynamic recrystallization during the drastic deformation. We have also found the strength and tension-compression asymmetry were improved. Simultaneously, micro-fracture of tensile exhibited the characteristics of ductility, indicating plasticity of Mg alloy AZ31 was improved by compound channel extrusion.
