Multiple twinning modes in rolled Mg–3Al–1Zn alloy and their selection mechanism

Rolled Mg–3Al–1Zn alloy subjected to consecutive in-plane compressions along two orthogonal directions exhibited multiple twinning modes: {1 0 −1 2} twinning in residual parent grain, {1 0 −1 2}–{1 0 −1 2} double twinning in twin band, and {1 0 −1 2} detwinning in twin band. A combined examination of the in situ electron backscatter diffraction technique and Schmid factor (SF) analysis revealed that the selection mechanism of each type of twinning mode is governed by the combined effect of the SF and grain size, and this controls the texture evolution developed.

► Rolled Mg–3Al–1Zn alloy was consecutively compressed along two orthogonal directions.
► {1 0 −1 2} twin related multiple twinning modes were observed.
► In situ EBSD observation combined with the SF analysis was performed.
► The combined effect of the SF and grain size controlled the twinning behavior.