Optimization of Hot Extrusion Process Parameters of Mg97Y2Zn1 Alloy Based on the Processing Maps

The processing maps of the Mg97Y2Zn1 alloy have been developed for optimizing hot workability and controlling the microstructure in this paper. Compression tests were conducted in the temperature range from 250 to 450 °C and the strain rate range from 0.001 to 5.0 s−1. The processing maps were calculated based on the flow stress behavior and analyzed according to the dynamic materials model. The maps exhibited a stability domain that occurs in the temperature of 430-450 °C for a strain rate of 0.002-0.003 s−1 and having a maximum efficiency of 50%. A hot extrusion test was carried out to assess the prediction of the processing maps for Mg97Y2Zn1 alloy. The influence of the extrusion temperature on the microstructure and tensile properties of the extruded alloys was analyzed to identify the optimum processing parameters. The results have shown good agreement between the regimes exhibited by the map and the microstructure of the extruded alloy.