Effects of extrusion temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of low-alloyed Mg-Bi-Ca-Mn alloy

A new rare earth-free low-alloyed Mg-0.5Bi-0.8Ca-0.8Mn (wt.%) alloy was prepared at three extrusion temperatures (225, 250 and 275 degrees C). The effects of low-temperature extrusion on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloy were studied. Experimental results show that the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) grains are significantly refined by low-temperature extrusion, and the dynamic recrystallization process is further delayed by the Mn precipitate phase, resulting in a bimodal structure composed of ultrafine DRXed grains and coarse undynamic recrystallized (unDRXed) regions. At an extrusion temperature of 225 degrees C, the grain size was significantly refined, with an average DRXed grain size of 0.84 mu m and a tensile yield strength of 418 MPa. Compared with other extruded magnesium alloys, the ultra-fine DRXed grains, strong basal fiber texture, high Schmid Factors of pyramidal <c + a> slip in the unDRXed regions, and along with a certain amount of second phase (Mg2Ca) distributed along the grain boundaries and nano-Mn particles uniformly distributed in the matrix, are the main reasons for the strength enhancement of low-temperature extruded magnesium alloys. The orientation of the DRXed grains in the alloy after extrusion at 250 degrees C is more random, which improves ductility. In addition, when the extrusion temperature reaches 275 degrees C, the alloy shows a fully recrystallized structure and exhibits rare earth (RE)-texture, obtaining high ductility but decreasing strength. This study provides a new idea for the development of high-strength Mg-Bi-based magnesium alloys by adjusting the extrusion temperature and alloying elements. This new high-strength and low-alloyed Mg-Bi-based alloy will help to enrich the series of high-performance, rare-earth free, low-cost extruded Mg alloy with certain application prospects.