Effect of rolling with different amounts of deformation on microstructure and mechanical properties of the Mg-1Al-4Y alloy

In this study, the Mg-1Al-4Y alloy was successfully prepared by smelting and casting. Then, the alloy was rolled at different amounts of deformation (40%, 60%, and 80%) at 500 degrees C. Microstructure observations were carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The effects of different amounts of rolling deformation on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-1Al-4Y alloy were investigated. The results indicate that in the as-cast Mg-1Al-4Y alloy, the Al2Y phase is dispersed in the magnesium matrix, and the grain size of the alloy decreases from 201.06 mu m to 35.07 mu m with increasing rolling deformation. The rolled Mg-1Al-4Y alloy has a strong {0001} basal texture. As the amount of rolling deformation increases, the texture intensity gradually increases, but the texture type does not change substantially. Moreover, the Mg-1Al-4Y alloy is prone to {10 (1) over bar2} extension twinning, {10 (1) over bar1} contraction twinning, and {10 (1) over bar1}-{10 (1) over bar2} double twinning during rolling. Compared with the as-cast Mg-1Al-4Y alloy, the tensile strength and yield strength of the Mg-1Al-4Y alloy after 80% deformation were as high as 257 MPa (104%) and 185 MPa (an increase of 330%).