Superplasticity in Friction Stir Processed AZ80 Magnesium Alloy

Superplasticity in an AZ80 magnesium alloy subjected to friction stir processing (FSP) has been investigated. FSP was carried out at two traveling speeds of 150mm/min and 300mm/min for grain refinement. Optical microscopy on cross section to processing direction revealed obvious differences in size and feature between the stir zones at the two traveling speeds. The hardness of FSPed sample at the room temperature was about 30HV higher than that of as-received one. The maximum stress of the FSPed sample was reduced remarkably at lower strain rates compared with those of the as-received one at 573K and 673K. On the other hand, the elongation to failure of the FSPed sample showed ten to thirteen times larger than that of the as-received one at 573K and low strain rates. Further surface morphology near the fracture tip was observed by scanning electron microscopy to discuss deformation mechanism at high temperatures.