A review on developing high-performance ZE41 magnesium alloy by using bulk deformation and surface modification methods

Magnesium (Mg) alloys are generally used in light-weight structural applications due to their higher specific strength. However, the usage of these Mg alloys is limited due to their poor formability at room temperature, which is attributed to lower count of slip systems associated with the hcp crystal structure. To address these limitations, several new magnesium alloys and also many processing strategies have been developed and reported in the literature. ZE41 Mg is an alloy with significant quantities of zinc (Zn) and rare earth (RE) elements and has emerged as a promising material for aerospace, automotive, electronics, biomedical and many other industries. To make this alloy more competitive and viable, it should possess better mechanical and corrosion properties. Hence, the current paper reviews the effect of bulk mechanical processing on grain refinement, microstructural modification, and corresponding changes in the mechanical behaviour of ZE41 Mg alloy. Further, the effect of various surface modification techniques on altering the surface microstructure and surface properties such as wear and corrosion are also briefly summarized and presented. This review also discusses the challenges and the future perspectives in developing high-performing ZE41 Mg alloys.