Effect of recrystallization and grain growth on the mechanical properties of an extruded AZ21 Mg alloy

An experimental investigation into the effect of microstructural changes, which occur during post-extrusion annealing of a Mg based AZ21 alloy, on tensile and fatigue properties is conducted. Mechanical properties in the as-cast, as-extruded, and microstructural states that correspond to recovery, recrystallization and grain growth stages of annealing are compared. Results show that these microstructural changes do not alter the yield strength of the alloy markedly whereas significant differences were noted in the ultimate tensile strength as well as ductility. The initiation of abnormal grain growth (or secondary recrystallization) renders the tensile stress–strain response elastic perfectly plastic and results in a large drop in ductility, as high as ∼60% during intermediate stages of abnormal grain growth, vis-à-vis the ductility of the as-extruded alloy. While the fatigue performance of all the wrought alloys is far superior to that of the as-cast alloy, as expected, abnormal grain growth leads to a marked decrease in the endurance limit. Possible microscopic origins of these are discussed.