Microtexture evolution via deformation twinning and slip during compression of magnesium alloy AZ31

The twinning and slip system activities during compression testing at room temperature and 150 °C have been investigated for an AZ31 magnesium alloy. The samples, which were cut from a rolled sheet, were compressed with the compression axis taken at different angles to the sheet normal direction. The electron backscatter diffraction technique in the scanning electron microscope was used to investigate the local texture and microstructure evolution. The plastic deformation of magnesium is controlled by both { 1   0   1 ¯   2 } ⁡ 〈 1   0   1 ¯   1 〉 twinning and slip during deformation. Extensive twinning takes place when the sample is loaded perpendicular to the basal plane normals (BPNs). A high work-hardening rate, with very little twinning, is observed for samples loaded parallel to the BPNs. The main features of the stress–strain curves can be explained based on the microstructural and texture data.