Superplasticity in magnesium alloys by severe plastic deformation

This chapter discusses superplasticity of wrought magnesium alloys, with an emphasis on enhancement of superplastic properties by severe plastic deformation (SPD). A review of literature addressing superplastic properties of severely deformed magnesium alloys is given. Based on the research of the authors on two important structural alloys, ZK60 and AZ31, the mechanisms underlying superplasticity of Mg alloys and the role of grain refinement by SPD processing are elucidated. The bi-modality of the grain structure produced by SPD is presented as an important microstructural aspect of enhanced superplasticity. © 2012 Woodhead Publishing Limited All rights reserved.