Correlation of plastic deformation and dynamic recrystallization in magnesium alloy ZK60

The mechanisms of plastic deformation and dynamic recrystallization (DRX) in a Mg–5.8% Zn–0.65% Zr alloy were studied by compression tests at temperatures between 423 and 723 K and at strain rates ranging from 10−5 to 10−1 s−1. It was shown that the mechanisms of DRX depended on the operating deformation mechanisms which changed with temperature. Low-temperature DRX (LTDRX below 473 K) was associated with the operation of twinning, basal slip and (a+c) dislocation glide. In the intermediate temperature range (473–523 K) continuous DRX (CDRX) was observed and associated with extensive cross-slip due to the Friedel–Escaig mechanism. At temperatures ranging from 573 to 723 K both bulging of original grain boundaries and subgrain growth were the operating DRX mechanisms and controlled by dislocation climb.