Texture and microstructure changes in asymmetrically hot rolled AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets

Asymmetrically hot rolled AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets exhibited a texture gradient, where the intensity of {0002} basal textures decreased from the upper surface through the center to the lower surface. After subsequent annealing, the intensity of {0002} components was reduced significantly throughout the thickness and the grains were refined possibly by discontinuous recrystallization.