The deformation, recrystallisation and texture of three magnesium alloy extrusions

The deformation, recrystallisation and texture of three magnesium alloy extrusions, AZ31, WE43 and ZC71, have been investigated. The extruded microstructures were partially recrystallised; the nucleation of new grains was associated with boundaries, deformation features and second phase particles. The unrecrystallised grains were orientated with directions parallel to the extrusion axis. In AZ31 and ZC71 the recrystallised grains also exhibited a component, which evolved into the major component during annealing. In WE43 recrystallised grains were orientated with their basal planes at ∼45° to the extrusion axis; this texture component dominated the texture following annealing. The recrystallisation grain growth textures appear to be governed by growth selection where alloying elements change the grain boundary behaviour and orientation relationships for high mobility. The tensile and compressive strengths of the extrusions were affected by the texture.