Mechanism of texture evolution propelled by recrystallization behavior of interactively alternating forward extruded AZ31 magnesium alloy under pre-upsetting deformation

Pre-upsetting deformation is an effective way to optimize the microstructure of plastic forming components and achieve deep modification. In this paper, the pre-upsetting deformation of AZ31 Mg alloy billet was carried out before alternating forward extrusion, and the effect of pre-upsetting deformation temperature on the recrystallization behavior and texture evolution of AZ31 Mg alloy formed by alternating forward extrusion was analyzed. The results showed that the strains generated by the pre-upsetting deformation at different temperatures all leaded to a high dynamic recrystallization (DRX) driving force. This results in a high percentage of recrystallized grains in all pre-upsetting alternating forward extrusion (UAFE) formations. The highest percentage of recrystallized grains 94.5% was observed in U2AFE (pre-upsetting deformation at 623K). The behavior of DRX has a significant impact on both the distribution and strength of texture. In the case of U2AFE, the maximum basal texture strength is 8.65. This is due to the maximum pole density of the deformed texture, which is composed of non-recrystallized grains and is as high as 9.25. In contrast, the maximum pole density of the recrystallized texture, which is composed of recrystallized grains, is only 8.09. Therefore, non-recrystallized grains play a crucial role in the formation of texture in UAFE. This study provides scientific guidance and technical support for the research of high-performance Mg alloy alternating forward extrusion molding technology.