Enhanced superplasticity of magnesium alloy AZ31 obtained through equal-channel angular pressing with back-pressure

Excellent superplastic elongations (in excess of 1,200%) were achieved in a commercial cast AZ31 alloy processed by low temperature equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) with a back-pressure to produce a bimodal grain structure. In contrast, AZ31 alloy processed by ECAP at temperatures higher than 200 °C showed a reasonably uniform grain structure and relatively low ductility. It is suggested that a bimodal grain structure is advantageous because the larger grains contribute to strain hardening thus delaying the onset of necking, while grain boundary sliding associated with small grains provides a stabilizing effect due to enhanced strain rate sensitivity.