Effect of equal-channel angular rolling pass on microstructure and properties of magnesium alloy sheets

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of rolling pass on AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets, which were produced by a new concept process, so-called equal-channel angular rolling process. Processing that causes continuous shearing deformation leads to a shifting of the crystal orientation from basal plane to non-basal plane. Compared with the as-received specimens, a lower yield strength and a higher ductility of the specimens produced by equal-channel angular rolling in tensile tests at ambient temperature were presented because of the non-basal crystal orientation. Drawability was also improved greatly.