The formation of double peaks in the basal texture during ambient extrusion of an AZ31 magnesium alloy

• This work employed an X-ray diffractometer to investigate the texture for a magnesium alloy after ambient extrusion using two different extrusion methods. The forming mechanism of the double peaks in basal texture was induced by comparative analysis.
• With the 45° cut specimen, the complete pole figure data could be accurately measured.
• A TEM based orientation mapping system was used to identify the twinning type in the highly strained specimen at ambient, which is quite difficult for the conventional EBSD technique.
• The local texture was measured by X-ray to reveal the texture gradient within the extruded specimen.

Ambient extrusion was conducted on a magnesium alloy using both direct and sheath extrusion methods. An X-ray diffractometer was used to measure the macrotexture for both methods. Double peaks appeared in the basal texture for direct extrusion while only one peak was observed for sheath extrusion. Contraction twinning had an effect on weakening the basal texture while extrusion friction created the characteristic double peaks in basal texture during the direct extrusion process.