Effect of particles in promoting twin nucleation in a Mg–5 wt.% Zn alloy

The number of {101¯2} twins formed in a compressed Mg–5 wt.% Zn alloy increased when precipitate particles were present, reaching a maximum in the peak-aged condition. Particles were observed to promote twin nucleation, but inhibit twin growth. A simple model has been developed to show that in peak- and over-aged condition the increase in twin number is accurately predicted by assuming the additional stress driving twin nucleation equates to the Orowan stress inhibiting twin growth.