Time-resolved analysis of the dynamics of deformation mechanisms in low-alloyed rapidly solidified Mg-Zn-Y-Al alloy

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The low-alloyed rapidly solidified ribbon consolidated MgZnYAl alloy exhibits enhanced mechanical properties given by its complex microstructure, featuring solute segregated stacking faults, cluster-arranged layers and nanoplates formed in both dynamically recrystallized (DRX) and non-DRX grains. In order to confirm the thermal stability of this microstructure and the corresponding mechanical properties in both compression and tension, the alloy was subjected to post-processing heat treatment at 300 °C or 400 °C. Active deformation mechanisms during mechanical loading were comprehensively characterized using acoustic emission (AE) analysis, supplemented by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations and convolutional multiple whole profile (CMWP) fitting analysis of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. The AE response provides in-situ insight into the time development and interplay of deformation mechanisms, while SEM and XRD measurements confirm their presence and validate AE findings. In particular, CMWP analysis provided important information about densities of basal and non-basal 〈 a 〉 and 〈 c + a 〉 dislocations. In addition to twin nucleation observed around the macroscopic yield point only under compression, two well-separated AE clusters associated with different types of dislocation slip activity were identified in both loading directions. The obtained data enable an in-depth analysis of the activity and relative contributions of individual deformation mechanisms to the plastic deformation of the high-strength low-alloyed MgZnYAl alloy.