Improving the tensile strength of Mg–7Sn–1Al–1Zn alloy through artificial cooling during extrusion

An Mg–7Sn–1Al–1Zn alloy known to have excellent extrudability and superior strength was subjected to artificial cooling during indirect extrusion by directly spraying water onto the extruded rod at the die exit. The results obtained revealed that this artificial cooling dramatically reduces the temperature of the deformation zone during extrusion, thereby creating a finer grain size, an intensified texture and a greater amount of precipitates when compared to extrusion without artificial cooling. The yield and tensile strength of the extruded alloy is also significantly improved, which is attributed to the effects of grain refinement in combination with an enhanced texture and precipitate hardening.