Influence of number of ECAP passes on microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ31 magnesium alloy

The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of the number of equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) passes on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ31 magnesium alloy. The microstructure after two and four passes of ECAP at 423 and 523 K was investigated by means of optical and transmission electron microscopy. The mechanical properties were carried out using Vickers microhardness measurements and compression test. The grain refinement in AZ31 alloy was obtained using ECAP routes down to 1,5 μm at 423 K. Processes of dynamic recrystallization during ECAP were observed. It was found that a gradual decrease of grain size occurs with the increasing of number of ECAP passes. The grain refinement increases mechanical properties at ambient temperature, such as Vickers microhardness and compression strength proportionally to d-0.5.