Evolution of microstructures and textures in magnesium AZ31 alloys deformed by normal and cross-roll rolling

Abstract Normal and cross-roll rolling were compared for commercial AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets, where the roll axis was tilted by 7.5° against TD in the RD–TD plane. In the cross-rolled specimens, the texture strongly developed and the through-thickness gradient of grain size and texture decreased compared with the normally rolled specimens. The homogeneity of the texture throughout the whole thickness of the deformed sheet is a key factor in the successful deformation of Mg sheets. The texture development and corresponding microstructures were discussed in terms of the direct comparison of the normal and cross-roll rolled specimens.