Abstract: The Zn-2Cu alloy ingot prepared by 600 W ultrasonic melt treatment was subjected to 20%, 50%, and 80% rolling deformation. The effects of rolling deformation levels on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior were investigated. The results showed that α-Zn grains are significantly refined as the rolling deformation level from 20% to 50%, and the morphology with distinct texture is formed along the rolling direction. The CuZn₅ precipitates distributed in the matrix are refined into ellipsoidal particles with an average size of 15 μm. Additionally, the fine nano-sized CuZn₅ particles with 1.2 μm precipitate along grain boundaries. As a consequence, the yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation are significantly improved from 173, 203 MPa, and 8.1% in the undeformed state to 389, 404 MPa, and 42.2%, respectively. When the rolling deformation reach 80%, the corrosion rate is significantly reduced due to the formation of dense ZnO/Zn(OH)₂ passivation film. After 30 d immersion, the corrosion rate decrease rapidly from 0.398 mm/a to 0.247 mm/a.

Key words: Zn-2Cu alloy, microstructure, ultrasonic treatment, mechanical properties, corrosion rate