Exceptionally high strength in Mg–3Al–1Zn alloy processed by high-ratio differential speed rolling

A novel route to prepare an ultrahigh-strength commercial Mg–3Al–1Zn (AZ31) alloy was established by optimizing the processing parameters of high-ratio differential speed rolling (HRDSR). After HRDSR at 423 K followed by immediate water quenching, a grain size of 0.6 μm was obtained. The ultrafine-grained AZ31 exhibited a very high yield stress of 382 MPa. The effects of the HRDSR conditions on the microstructures and mechanical properties of this alloy were examined and discussed.