Microstructure and texture evolution in LZ91 magnesium alloy during cold rolling

LZ91 magnesium alloy extruded sheets were subjected to cold rolling. The microstructure and texture evolution were tracked using optical microscopy (OM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The α-Mg and β-Li phases were elongated along rolling direction (RD), contributing to the formation of a thin lamellar “sandwich” structure. This “sandwich” structure is favored for glissile dislocation of α-Mg phase during rolling. The α-Mg and β-Li phases are near Burgers orientation relationship, resulting in an unusual RD texture component in (0002) pole figure.