Grain refining and improving mechanical properties of a warm rolled AZ31 alloy plate

The mechanical properties of an AZ31 magnesium alloy were improved after warm rolling. The study involved a pre-rolling condition in which the material consisted of twins, playing a key role in recrystallization grain refinement upon subsequent processing. The pre-existing twin boundaries increased the number of nucleation sites for recrystallization during warm rolling, and resulted in complete recrystallization and weakening of the basal texture during subsequent annealing. This led to improved mechanical properties of the warm rolled plates.Scientific and Technological Innovation Programs of Higher Education Institutions in Shanxi (2014115), Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University (NCET-12–1040), National Natural Science Foundation of China50901048 and 51174143) and Shanxi Province Science Foundation for Youths (2013021013-4)Scopu