Texture evolution during annealing of magnesium AZ31 alloy

The microstructural evolution of an AZ31 magnesium alloy sheet with annealing is analyzed by texture analysis. A through-thickness texture gradient has been found in the as-received material. Upon annealing, normal grain growth occurs in the mid-layer and secondary recrystallization starts in the outer surfaces, leading to a homogeneous {1 1 (2) over bar 0} texture throughout the thickness. (C) 2002 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.