Microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–Al–Zn alloy sheets severely deformed by accumulative roll-bonding

The as-rolled AZ31 Mg alloy sheets were subjected to accumulative roll-bonding (ARB) at 300 C up to three cycles. The microstructure and macro- texture are investigated by means of optical microscopy and X-ray analysis. The mechanical properties are evaluated by micro- hardness and tensile tests. Very fine grain size of 2.4 lm could be achieved after three passes of 50% thickness reduction. The recrystallized structure was already formed after one cycle of ARB. ARB processing resulted in a significant increase of ductility and slight decrease of tensile strength of the AZ31 alloy sheet. Basal texture was notably weakened after ARB processing.