Recrystallization and texture evolution of cold-rolled AZ31 Mg alloy treated by rapid thermal annealing

The recrystallized microstructure and texture of AZ31 Mg alloy after rapid thermal annealing (RTA) was investigated. A mathematical model of RTA temperature of AZ31 Mg alloy was established based on the thermal equilibrium theory. The two double-peak textures with basal poles tilted 5-10 degrees away from the normal direction towards the rolling direction or towards the transverse direction were formed in the AZ31 alloy during RTA. The tilted basal texture was originated from recrystallized grains formed along grain boundaries for the low rolling reduction or recrystallized grains formed within the shear bands and twins for the high rolling reduction. During RTA, the recrystallization mechanism was sensitive to the previous rolling reduction and the annealing temperature, and the mechanisms of the microstructure and texture evolution of the AZ31 alloy during RTA were discussed. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.