Enhancement of ductility in Mg–3Al–1Zn alloy with tilted basal texture by electropulsing

The microstructure and texture evolution in a cold-rolled AZ31 magnesium alloy during electropulsing treatment (EPT) are investigated and correlated with the mechanical properties. The microstructure is effectively refined, and a tilted basal texture develops gradually during EPT. The yield stress in the treated samples is lower than that in the cold-rolled sample, indicating that texture softening is dominant over strengthening because of grain refinement. The phenomenon is primarily the result of the tilted basal texture. EPT improves the tensile ductility of the EPT samples significantly, albeit slightly compromising the tensile strength. The mechanism of the microstructure evolution during electropulsing is discussed from the viewpoint of grain-boundary motion. Moreover, the ductility enhancement is discussed in terms of the deformation mechanism and texture of the Mg alloy.