Microstructure and enhanced mechanical properties of an Mg–10Gd–2Y–0.5Zr alloy processed by cyclic extrusion and compression

▶ Both strength and ductility of Mg alloys after CEC processing are achieved. ▶ The elongation and strength are related in a linear relation having a positive slope. ▶ Hard, numerous particles have a strong ability to prevent the grains from rotating. ▶ Novel paper to obtain both strength and ductility of the alloy using CEC technology. The evolution of microstructure and texture of an extruded GW102K Mg alloy processed by cyclic extrusion and compression (CEC) at 450°C were investigated. Tensile tests were performed at room temperature and strain rate 5×10−3s−1. The results show that the microstructure was effectively refined, and the initial fiber texture became disintegrated and developed a new texture after 14 CEC passes. It was found that the strength and ductility were simultaneously increased compared with the as-extruded alloy. In particular, the elongation and yield strength were related in a line relationship having a positive slope. As the texture changed and texture intensity decreased, substantial grain refinement was observed. The hard second-phase particles were considered to be responsible for the uncommon properties of the GW102K alloy processed by CEC.