Wrought Magnesium Alloys ZM21, ZW3 and WE43 Processed by Hydrostatic Extrusion with Back Pressure

Wrought Magnesium Alloys ZM21, ZW3 and WE43 Processed by Hydrostatic Extrusion with Back PressureCold hydrostatic extrusion with and without back pressure of commercial ZM21, ZW3 and WE43 magnesium alloys has been performed at originally designed hydrostatic extrusion press operating up to 2000 MPa with back pressure up to 700 MPa. Alloys were cold extruded in one pass into rods between 5 and 9 mm in the outer diameter with product velocities between 1 and 10 m/min and extrusion ratios above 2. Application of back pressure extended formability of all magnesium alloys. It was due to hydrostatic pressure superimposed on the extruded product what inhibits the cracks generation and propagation. Cold deformation restrained the grain growth and softening processes while severe deformation in one pass increased grain refinement and density of internal defects. Ultimate tensile strength ranging from 370 MPa (ZM21) through 400 MPa (ZW3) up to 410 MPa (WE43), with respective yield stresses from 270 MPa through 300 MPa up to 350 MPa and the respective elongation from 13% through 12% to 7% were obtained in extruded rods, which are the best reported data in literature up to this day. Wrought magnesium alloys after hydrostatic extrusion can serve as semi-products for structures that call for high strength, for example as biodegradable implants or fastening components in form of bolts, rivets, nuts, pins, joints, etc.