Texture weakening and ductility variation of Mg–2Zn alloy with CA or RE addition

Five Mg alloys, Mg–2Zn, Mg–0.5RE, Mg–0.5Ca, Mg–2Zn–0.5Ca and Mg–2Zn–0.5RE (wt%), were subjected to hot extrusion for the purpose of evaluating the effect of Ca addition on the mechanical properties and texture characteristics of Mg sheets. Ca addition to pure Mg and Mg–Zn alloys contributes to the texture weakening of extruded sheets. The ductility increase through the addition of Ca to Mg is related to the texture weakening of extruded Ca-containing alloys. The enhancement of extrusion temperature leads to a broader spread of basal poles toward TD, but a strengthened texture intensity. The reduction of c/a ratio and the decrease of SFE may be responsible for the texture weakening of Ca-containing alloys.