Abstract
The low formability of magnesium alloys has a substantial influence on the processability during massive deformation. It has been found that the addition of rare earth elements improves the properties of magnesium sheets like formability, strength and corrosion resistance. Magnesium sheets with an addition of rare earth elements form a weaker texture and fine-grained microstructure. However, alloying with rare earth elements is problematic, because of their strategic importance for many industrial applications and the tight supply situation. Therefore, they are classified as a critical resource group whose supply is associated with high costs and leads to economic dependences on imports of these elements. Additionally, their fabrication requires high industrial efforts and causes environmental issues. Thus, the usage of rare earth elements is supposed to be avoided along with newer material selection approaches. Adding Ca as a substitute to rare earth to Mg-Zn-based alloys leads to similar texture evolution and texture behaviour as RE containing alloys. Thus, in these experiments Ca replaces the rare earth elements in a Mg-Mn base alloy.
This paper is an approach to understand the influence of the process parameters and the influence of alloying elements (Zn, Mn, Ca) in magnesium alloys in the rolling processes. The microstructure, texture and mechanical properties of sheets rolled at different temperature are compared. The results of casting and rolling trials are used to discuss how to tailor the mechanical properties of magnesium alloy ZM210.
