The influences of alloying additions and processing parameters on the rolling microstructures and textures of magnesium alloys

The combined effects of lithium additions (1–3 wt%) and processing parameters (rolling temperature, annealing) on the microstructural and texture evolution of pure Mg and Mg–3 wt% Al–1 wt% Zn alloy have been studied. Following rolling the basal planes were aligned with the sheet surface, although the basal poles were split and rotated towards the rolling direction. Lithium additions increased the rotation of basal poles in the rolling and transverse directions; an increase in the rolling temperature was associated with decreased rotation in the rolling direction and some broadening of texture in the transverse direction. Recrystallization during rolling varied between alloys, but had little influence on the texture. Recrystallization, and particularly grain growth, during annealing resulted in a single peak in the basal poles replacing the split observed following rolling. Texture is interpreted in terms of deformation, recrystallization and grain growth. Microstructural and texture evolution during industrial forming processes are also discussed.