Achieving a high-strength ZK60 alloy by introducing nano solute clusters

In this work, we introduce a microstructure with high-density nano solute clusters by rolling at 100 °C to efficiently fabricate a high-strength ZK60 alloy plate. High yield strength of 336 MPa is achieved. The rolling process at 100 °C facilitates the formation of high-density dislocations and nano substructures, which causes the formation of high-density nano Zn solute clusters. The high strength is mainly attributed to the formation of high-density nano solute clusters, dislocations, and nano substructures. The finding of nano clusters shed light on designing high-strength Mg alloys, and the applied conventional rolling can be readily implemented in industrial production.