Effect of initial texture on the bending behavior, microstructure and texture evolution of ZK60 magnesium alloy during the bending process

The rolling direction (RD) and transverse direction (TD) samples with distinct difference in initial texture were cut from differential speed rolled ZK60 magnesium alloy sheet and were subsequently subjected to the bending process. The bending behavior, microstructure and texture evolution of the bending samples were investigated to argue the effect of initial texture during the bending process. Results revealed that conspicuous asymmetry in the bending behavior was ascribed to the initial texture, and weaker basal texture was favorable to improve the bending properties. Meanwhile, initial texture remarkably influenced the microstructure characteristics, especially the number and morphology of (10-12) tension twin. Texture results revealed that initial texture in conjunction with the deformation mode led to the difference in texture evolution by influencing the deformation mechanism: (10-12) tension twin for the inner region of the RD sample; basal slip and prismatic slip for the outer region of the RD sample; basal slip and (10-12) tension twin for the TD sample. In addition, the bending behavior was reflected well by finite element method, and was investigated by strain-hardening curves based on experimental tests. Results suggested that the priority of deformation mechanism was dependent on the initial texture.