Microstructure and texture evolution of Mg-3Zn-1Al magnesium alloy during large-strain electroplastic rolling

Large-strain deformation by single electroplastic rolling (EPR) was imposed on AZ31 magnesium alloy strips. During EPR at low temperature (150–250°C), numerous twins formed in the alloy. After EPR at a high temperature (350°C), the number of twins reduced and some dynamic recrystallization (DRX) grains formed at grain boundaries and twinned regions. The synergic thermal and athermal effects generated by electropulsing, which promoted dislocation motion, induced a few small DRX grains, and ductile bandings were mainly responsible for large-strain deformation during EPR. The inclination angle of the basal pole stemmed from the counterbalance of the inclination direction of the basal pole between the DRX grains and deformed coarse grains.