Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter relates to an apparatus and methods for extruding a material. Embodiments of the apparatus comprise a chamber that includes an opening that faces at least a downstream side of the chamber, a die slideably received by the opening that includes a channel that is in fluid communication with the chamber, and a base portion that includes a fixture, the fixture being annular and configured to couple to a downstream side of the die. Embodiments of methods for extruding the material can include providing the apparatus, placing a material in an original state within the opening of the chamber, applying a force to an upstream side of the chamber to thereby push the material through the channel of the die, and collecting the material in a modified state downstream of the fixture.

Abstract: Embodiments of a magnesium (Mg) alloy and method for producing the same are disclosed. One such embodiment, among others, is a method for producing a magnesium (Mg) alloy, comprising the steps of: (a) producing a Mg powder aggregate by mixing Mg powder and at least one strengthening agent, the strengthening agent selected from: a carbon, a metal, and a combination thereof; (b) agglomerating the aggregate; and (c) sintering the agglomerated aggregate to produce the Mg alloy. Preferably, although not necessarily, steps (a) and (b) are performed using a ball mill. Moreover, the strengthening agent may be, for example but not limited to, carbon nanotubes, copper, tin, titanium, or silicon carbide. The resulting Mg alloy comprises nano-scale crystalline and/or micro-scale crystalline lattice structures and a yield strength that is at least as high as steel, exhibiting a yield strength that is about 320 MPa to 500 MPa.