Grain size dependence of annealing strengthening of an extruded Mg-Gd-Zn alloy subjected to pre-compression deformation

In this work, pre-strain annealing strengthening(PSAS) effect was investigated in an extruded Mg-1.0Gd-1.5 Zn(wt.%) alloy with respect to different grain sizes. The evolution of microstructures was provided by scanning electron microscopy(SEM), electron backscattered diffraction(EBSD), transmission electron microscopy(TEM) and high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy(HAADF-STEM) under the initial state, pre-compression, intermediate annealing and re-compression conditions. The obtained results showed a grain size-dependent PSAS effect in the alloy. The sample with larger grain sizes corresponded to a higher strengthening effect, which mainly resulted from a more remarkable hindrance for the growth of existing twins and a larger proportion of activation for the nucleation of new twins. This was closely associated with the increase of back stress and friction stress for twin boundary motion impeded by the larger restraint of dislocations, the higher stress field surrounding solutes and the more Zn segregation. In addition to twinning behavior, Guinier Preston(G.P.) zones on basaldislocations were found after intermediate annealing and provided an extra strengthening by inhibiting the motions of gilding pre-existing dislocations and newly formed ones, but it was independent on the grain size.

Annealing hardening and deformation behavior of layered gradient Zr–Ti composite

To investigate potential strengthening approaches,multi-layered zirconium–titanium(Zr-Ti)composites were fabricated by hot-rolling bonding and annealing.The microstructures of these composites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy(SEM-EDS)and electron backscatter diffractometry(EBSD).Their mechanical properties were evaluated by uniaxial tension and compression measurements.It was found that the fabricated Zr–Ti composites are composed of alternating Zr/diffusion/Ti layers,and chemical compositions of Zr and Ti showed a gradient distribution in the diffusion layer.Compared with as-rolled samples,annealing can strengthen the layered gradient Zr–Ti composite,and this is mainly caused by solid-solution strengthening and microstructure refinement-induced strengthening.Compared with the raw materials,a synergistic improvement of strength and ductility is achieved in the Zr–Ti composite as a result of the layered gradient microstructure.Tension–compression asymmetry is observed in the Zr–Ti composites,which may be attributed to twinning and microvoids induced by unbalanced diffusion.