Effects of Fe addition on the microstructures and mechanical properties of as-extruded Zn-0.2Mg alloys

Zn-0.2Mg-(0, 0.05, 0.2, 0.4 wt%)Fe alloy rods were produced by indirectly extruding the as-cast ingots at 200 celcius. The addition of minor Fe significantly improved the ductility of as extruded Zn-0.2Mg alloy without scarifying the strength. As 0.05 wt% Fe was added, the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation were increased from 216 MPa, 228 MPa and 1.85% for Zn-0.2Mg alloy to 240 MPa, 258 MPa and 42% for Zn-0.2Mg-0.05Fe. Texture variation from basal texture to non-basal texture alongside the grain refinement contributed the great improvement of ductility and slight increase of strength, respectively. As Fe content increased from 0.05 wt% to 0.4 wt%, the volume fraction and size of the second phases changed, leading to the reduction in elongation by 50% yet maintaining the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.