Effect of Rolling Temperature on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AZ31 Alloy Sheet Processed through Variable-Plane Rolling

Abstract

AZ31 magnesium alloy sheet was produced through variable-plane rolling (VPRing) under different temperatures, and a conventional rolled AZ31 alloy was investigated for comparison. A basal texture was formed during these two processes. The texture intensity was closely related to dynamic recrystallization and deformation mechanism. Four types of twins appeared, namely {10-12} extension twins, {10-13} and {10-11} contraction twins and {10-11}-{10-12} double twins. High rolling temperature and rolling plane alteration were beneficial for activating {10-11}-{10-12} double twins. The tensile strengths revealed a declining trend with elevated rolling temperatures. The AZ31 alloy rolled at 573 K showed advantageous combination with a high yield strength of 286 MPa and compromised elongation of 5%. The mechanical anisotropy of VPRed AZ31 sheet decreased with nearly similar yield strengths along the roll direction (RD), transverse direction and 45° away from the RD. The VPRing process improved the rollability and strength of Mg alloy and reduced its mechanical anisotropy.