High strength-ductility synergy and low anisotropy of Mg-4.5Al-2.6Zn-0.3Mn alloy sheet achieved by annealing after rolling

Abstract

• The integration of extrusion, rolling and annealing was designed and applied. • Shear bands and twins dominate after rolling with cold rolls. • Shear bands provide nucleation sites for recrystallization during annealing. • The final sheet exhibits high strength-ductility synergy and low anisotropy. • The Mg-4.5Al-2.6Zn-0.3Mn sheet owns potential to replace commercial AZ31 sheets. Mg-4.5Al-2.6Zn-0.3Mn sheets with high strength-ductility synergy and low anisotropy were fabricated by the integration of extrusion, rolling, and annealing, which act as excellent replacements for commercial AZ31 alloys. Finer grains, lower dislocation density, and weaker basal texture endow the as-annealed sheets, instead of the as-rolled ones, with the higher performance.