Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of As-Cast and As-Compressed ZM6 Magnesium Alloys during the Two-Stage Aging Treatment Process

In the present study, different solid solution and aging processes of as-cast and as-compressed ZM6 (Mg_2.6Nd_0.4Zn_0.4Zr) alloy were designed, and the microstructure and precipitation strengthening mechanisms were discussed. After the pre-aging treatment, a large amount of G.P. zones formed in the α-Mg matrix over the course of the subsequent secondary G.P. prescription, where the fine and dispersed Mg₁₂(Nd,Zn) phases were precipitated at the grain boundaries. The pre-aging and secondary aging processes resulted in the Mg₁₂(Nd,Zn) phase becoming globular, preventing grain boundary sliding and decreasing grain boundary diffusion. Meanwhile, precipitation phase â″(Mg₃Nd) demonstrated a coherent relationship with the α-Mg matrix after the pre-aging process, and after the secondary aging phase, Mg₁₂Nd increases and became semi-coherent in the matrix. Compared to an as-cast ZM6 alloy, the yield strength of the as-compressed ZM6 alloy increased sharply due to an increase in the yield strength that was proportional to the particle spacing, where the dislocation bypassed the second phase particle. Compared to the single-stage aging process, the two-stage aging process greatly improved the mechanical properties of both the as-cast and as-compressed ZM6 alloys. The difference between the as-cast and as-compressed states is that an as-compressed ZM6 alloy with more dislocations and twins has more dispersed precipitates in the G.P. zones after secondary aging, meaning that it is greatly strengthened after the two-stage aging treatment process.