Texture analysis of the effect of non-basal slip systems on the dynamic recrystallization of the Mg alloy AZ31

The influence of non-basal slip systems on the dynamic recrystallization of a rolled and annealed Mg AZ31 sheet has been examined with the aim of investigating the relation between the deformation and recrystallization mechanisms in this alloy. With that purpose, the material was tested at 10−3s−1 in tension along the rolling direction (RD), a condition under which prismatic slip and basal slip are the main deformation mechanisms, and in compression along the normal direction (ND), where pyramidal slip and basal slip predominate. The evolution of the microstructure and the texture at temperatures between 25°C and 300°C was examined. The optimum conditions for the onset of discontinuous dynamic recrystallization in this alloy appear to be those in which all three slip modes, i.e., basal, prismatic, and pyramidal slip are active. ► The CRSS of prismatic slip systems decreases gradually with increasing temperature. ► The decrease in CRSS of pyramidal slip systems varies with temperature. ► Basal, prismatic and pyramidal systems combined enhance dynamic recrystallization. ► The absence of any two non-basal slip systems slows down dynamic recrystallization.