Microstructure and mechanical properties of the AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets processed by asymmetric reduction rolling

The asymmetric reduction rolling (ARR) with a support plate at the entrance was proposed and carried out on the AZ31 magnesium alloy. The deformation mechanism of the ARR process was analyzed and demonstrated by finite element method (FEM). The microstructures, micro-textures and tensile properties of the ARRed sheet were examined by optical microscopy (OM), electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) and tensile tests. The results show that a large shear stress throughout the thickness of sheet can be introduced and promote the occurrence of dynamic recrystallization during ARR process, resulting in the homogeneous microstructure with much finer grains and weakened basal texture, which significantly improve the mechanical properties of AZ31 Mg alloys sheet.