Strain path dependence of {10-12} twinning activity in a polycrystalline magnesium alloy

The {1 0 - 1 2} twinning activity in plastic deformation of a polycrystalline magnesium alloy was investigated using the in situ electron backscatter diffraction technique in combination with Schmid factor analysis. The activation of different twin variants depending on the strain path introduced a significant difference in the intersection characteristics between twin bands, causing a totally different twinning contribution to the deformation. The intersection between different twin variant pairs was found to retard the twin growth and promote the nucleation of new twins. (C) 2010 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.