Microstructure and plastic properties of mg-Li alloys smelted in vacuum induction furnaces after hot working

Abstract

The paper analyses the characteristics of plasticity and microstructure of magnesium alloys with lithium meant for hot plastic working with different lithium content. The alloys were prepared in conditions of vacuum smelting. Achieved ingots were subject to hot extrusion. Tests on Gleeble simulator were conducted to assess the susceptibility of tested alloys to plastic forming in conditions of hot plastic working. For tested alloy the activation energy was marked for hot plastic deformation and plasticity characteristics in function of Zener-Hollomon parameter. After the analysis of the influence of temperature on the deformability of tested alloys it was stated that the alloy containing 8% Li (LAZ831) has better susceptibility to plastic treatment than alloy containing 4% Li (LAZ431), but higher than in case of classic magnesium alloys-AZ31.