Abstract
A method for optimization of solution treatment of ZK60 magnesium alloy was proposed based on differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and electron microscopy. It was shown that the calorimetric measurements could very sensitively identify the type and amount of secondary phases present in cast materials and help to find out the optimal processing temperature and time. The temperature of 360 °C was identified as the optimal temperature for the solution treatment of ZK60 alloy. The microstructure after optimized processing was documented by light and electron microscopy. The MgZn₂, Mg₄Zn₇ and ZrZn₂ secondary phases were identified by electron diffraction and EDS microanalysis. The mechanical properties, namely ductility at elevated temperatures, were determined in deformation tests and compared to processing at conditions reported in literature.

Key words
magnesium, ZK60, electron microscopy, TEM, DSC, phase, ductility

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