An investigation into the mechanical behavior and microstructural evolution of the accumulative roll bonded AZ31 Mg alloy upon annealing

The effect of annealing treatments on the room temperature mechanical properties (in the range of 23–27 °C) of an AZ31 magnesium alloy processed by accumulative roll bonding (ARB) have been investigated. The evaluation of mechanical properties was carried out using shear punch testing (SPT) method. The reliability of the method was verified through application of a well calibrated uniaxial tensile testing machine and the related correlation factors were adapted. The texture evolution was also studied upon annealing. The results showed that the room temperature strength of the ARB processed AZ31 alloy is increased by increasing the annealing temperature up to 350 °C. At temperatures above 350 °C, the deterioration of mechanical properties was taken place as a result of rapid grain growth.

Research highlights
► The mechanical properties of ARProcessed AZ31 alloy were improved through the proper annealing.
► The positions of the texture for ARProcessed alloy have not significantly changed upon annealing.
► The intensity of the maximum orientation in ARProcessed material is increased upon annealing.
► The shear punch data was well correlated to the uniaxial ones.