A tilted weak texture processed by an asymmetric extrusion for magnesium alloy sheets

Abstract The microstructure and mechanical response of AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets processed by the conventional extrusion (CE) and the asymmetric extrusion (ASE) were examined. The textural evolutions of ASE samples at near-surface and mid-layer regions are different throughout the sheet thickness direction due to the additional asymmetric shear deformation. This enforces the crystallographic reorientation of (0002) basal planes to tilt about 12° toward the direction of shear deformation. Moreover, it weakens the basal texture intensity of ASE sheets compared with CE sheets. Improved mechanical properties for magnesium alloys sheets were achieved by the ASE approach as a result of the tilted weak basal texture. ASE processing is suggested as a potential technique to enhance the formability of the extruded magnesium alloy sheets.