Achieving synchronous improvement of strength and ductility of Mg–3% Al–1% Zn alloy through controlling the rolling orientation

Tensile and compressive properties of commercial magnesium alloy Mg–3% Al–1% Zn (AZ31) were investigated along different rolling directions. It is found that the ultimate strength and strain to failure display a synchronously improving trend for both tensile and compressive samples. The synchronous improvement should be attributed to the difference in the activated deformation mechanisms due to the existence of texture. It is suggested that improving both the strength and ductility of AZ31 becomes possible through controlling the rolling orientation.