Effect of Equal Channel Angular Pressing on Microstructure of AM30 Magnesium Alloy

In this paper، the effect of Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) process on the structure and mechanical properties of AM30 magnesium alloy was studied. The results showed a considerable effect of ECAP process on creating an ultrafine grain size structure. Scanning Electron Microscope indicated that the grain size dropped from 20. 4 µm in the extruded form to 7. 2 µm in the first pass and 3. 9 µm in fourth pass. The fourth pass presented higher ductility and lower yield stress in comparison with the extruded case. This behavior can be explained based on higher rate of texture softening versus the effects of the grain refinement on strength. The hardness test on the samples cross-section showed an increase in hardness and a uniform strain distribution at higher ECAP passes.