Hot deformation behavior of Mg–2Sn–2Ca alloy in as-cast condition and after homogenization

► High temperature compressive strength of Mg–2Sn–2Ca is higher than Mg–3Sn–1Ca. ► Processing map revealed two DRX domains for hot working of Mg–2Sn–2Ca. ► Back stress due to hard particles increased activation energy for deformation. ► Homogenization treatment has no beneficial effect on hot workability of Mg–2Sn–2Ca. The hot deformation behavior of Mg–2Sn–2Ca (TX22) alloy has been characterized in the temperature range 300–500°C and strain rate range 0.0003–10s−1 using isothermal constant true strain rate tests. A processing map has been developed on the basis of flow stress data obtained as a function of temperature and strain rate, which revealed two windows or domains for hot working the alloy: (1) 300–370°C/0.0003–0.001s−1 and (2) 400–500°C/0.005–1s−1. Microstructural observations indicated that dynamic recrystallization occurs in both these windows with a finer resulting grain size in the first window. Apparent activation energy values of 183 and 178kJ/mole have been estimated in these windows, respectively and these are much higher than that for self-diffusion in Mg suggesting that considerable back stress is being generated due to the intermetallic particles (CaMgSn) present in the matrix. The mechanisms involving basal+prismatic slip and recovery by climb in the first domain and that of second order pyramidal slip and softening by cross-slip in the second domain are suggested to be occurring in these two domains. The processing map obtained on homogenized alloy is identical to that of the as-cast alloy suggesting that there is no benefit of homogenization treatment as regards hot workability and this is attributed to the thermal stability of the as-cast microstructure.