On the evolution of microstructure, texture and corrosion behavior of a hot-rolled and annealed AZ31 alloy

The microstructure and texture evolution of an AZ31 alloy were investigated after hot rolling subsequent annealing using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). First, the was hot-rolled at 350 °C up to low, medium high strain (20, 50 85% thickness reduction, respectively). samples where then annealed for 2, 10 60 min. effect level on corrosion behavior in seawater also evaluated electrochemical tests. At low strain, characterised by absence twinning, mainly due prior thermo-mechanical history as-received alloy. However, various modes twinning observed strain. dynamic recrystallization process resulted a with typical basal texture. results demonstrate that twins are responsible deviation {0002} poles from normal towards transversal direction. Annealing min led grain growth all samples. In highly strained samples, deformation retained, while sample underwent noticeable changes recrystallization. A synergetic refinement weakening alloy's enhanced resistance.