Tailoring the texture and mechanical anisotropy of a Mg–2Zn–2Gd plate by varying the rolling path

The influence of rolling path on texture and mechanical anisotropy of a Mg–2Zn–2Gd plate was investigated. The initial TD-split texture remains after rolling along RD and annealing at 450 °C for 1 h, whereas, after rolling along TD and annealing, changes into a RD-split one. TD, RD, and ND represent transverse direction, rolling direction and normal direction of the initial plate, respectively. Rolling path determines orientations of the recrystallized grains. The nuclei of recrystallized grains with basal poles distribution along the TD have a clear advantage over the ones along the RD in the RD-rolled and plates and vice-versa. This is the reason for formation of RD (TD)-split texture in the TD (RD)-rolled and annealed plate. A cross rolling alternately along TD and RD followed by annealing develops a texture with basal poles evenly distributing on a circle about 40° away from ND. This cross rolled plate exhibits a completely removed planar mechanical anisotropy.