Microstructural study of strain localization in a compressed Mg–3Al–1Zn alloy

This study examined the development of microstructures during strain localization in a Mg–3Al–1Zn alloy compressed at both room temperature and 200 °C. Strain localization is caused by the formation of shear bands (SBs). The SBs were in sheet form, parallel to the transverse direction (TD), and inclined at approximately 25° to the rolling plane of the specimen plate. The SBs formed at room temperature consisted of compression twins and dislocations, and the SBs formed at 200 °C consisted of compression twins and fine dynamically recrystallized grains. In contrast to the SBs formed at room temperature, strain softening occurred in the SBs formed at 200 °C. This paper presents a discussion on the deformation mechanisms operating in the SBs formed at different temperatures.