Improvement of formability and mechanical properties of magnesium alloys via pre-twinning: A review

Twinning can generate the change of texture and a large of twin boundaries, which can greatly influence the mechanical properties of magnesium alloys. Thus, pre-twinning can be considered to be a simple and feasible method to improve the mechanical properties of magnesium alloys. Recently, some studies have confirmed that pre-twinning can be an effective way to enhance the strength, formability and mechanical anisotropy of magnesium alloys. Based on these results, some aspects of the present research on the improvement of mechanical properties via pre-twinning are reviewed. The relevant mechanisms have been summarized. Finally, for this research field, a few critical scientific problems are also proposed.