Microstructural and Mechanical Characterization of ARB AZ31

In this work the influence of accumulative roll bonding (ARB) process on the microstructure and the mechanical characteristic is investigated. Therefore, AZ31 magnesium sheets were successfully deformed through ARB for a maximum of three passes. Twin roll cast sheets and twin roll cast sheets with subsequent heat treatment (480 °C, 1 h) were used as initial materials. After one ARB pass, the highest microstructure changes were measured. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) reveals a bimodal microstructure with an average grain size of ~1µm. In comparison to the initial material a strong basal texture was measured. The significant refinement of grain size after severe plastic deformation cause an increase of tensile and compressive strength, e.g. rising yield stress and ultimate tensile strength of 42% and 15%, respectively. However, the maximum formability remains nearly at the same level. Further ARB passes do not improve the mechanical characteristics further.