On the Improved Ductility of Mg-2Zn-0.3ca-0.2Ce-0.1Mn Alloy

Abstract

In this work, we investigated the fundamental plastic deformation mechanisms that can contribute to the improved ductility of a newly developed Mg-2Zn-0.3Ca-0.2Ce-0.1Mn1 (ZXEM2000) wrought alloy. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were carried out at selected strain levels of the ZXEM2000 alloy under tension along the rolling direction to uncover the microstructural evolution. Our results revealed that the improved ductility could be attributed to three key factors: weaker texture, suppression of twinning, and the increased cross-slip frequency of < c + a > dislocation. These direct observations offer a key insight into understanding the improved ductility of the ZXEM2000 alloy. The aforementioned three key factors can also guide future Mg alloy design.