Effect of Forging on Microstructure, Texture, and Uniaxial Properties of Cast AZ31B Alloy

The effect of open-die hot forging on cast AZ31B magnesium alloy was investigated in terms of the evolution of microstructure, texture, and mechanical properties. A refined microstructure with strong basal texture was developed in forged material. A significant increase in tensile yield and ultimate strengths by 143 and 23%, respectively, was determined as well. When tested in compression at room temperature, the forged alloy displayed significant in-plane asymmetry and unchanged yield strength compared to the cast alloy owing to the activation of $$\left\{ {10\bar{1}2} \right\}\left\langle {10\bar{1}1} \right\rangle$$ extension twins in both the cast and forged conditions. However, the ultimate compressive strength for the forged material increased by 22 percent compared to the as-cast material. Microstructure and texture analysis of the fracture samples confirmed that the deformation of the forged samples was dominated by slip during tension and twin in compression. In comparison, both slip and twin were observed in the cast samples for similar testing conditions. The increase in strength of forging was attributed to the refinement of grains and the formation of strong basal texture, which activated the non-basal slip on the prismatic and pyramidal slip systems instead of extension twin.