Mechanical properties and texture evolution during rolling process of an AZ31 Mg alloy

AZ31 Mg alloys were subjected to the rolling process in this paper. Microstructures of the as-rolled sheets were studied by electron backscattered diffraction method (EBSD) and then tensile testes were carried out to investigate the relationship between mechanical properties and microstructural parameters that include grain size and texture distribution. The grains of the as-rolled sheets were effectively refined after rolling, which resulted in the significant enhancement of mechanical properties. Basal texture was discovered in the as-rolled sheets and the intensity of the basal texture increased with raising the rolling reduction. At the same time, the incline of the basal poles away from normal direction of the sheet was obvious and it is believed that this was related to the mechanical anisotropy of the sheet.