Influence of thermomechanical processing on the grain size, texture and mechanical properties of Mg-Al alloys

The work carried out by the authors over the last decade on the processing, microstructural characterization and the mechanical behaviour of Mg alloys is reviewed. In particular, the potential for grain refinement and for the development of specific textures of large strain hot rolling (LSHR), equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) and accumulative roll bonding (ARB) is discussed. The recrystallization and the deformation mechanisms predominant in Mg alloys are analyzed as a function of the grain size and the texture in a wide range of stresses, strain rates and temperatures. Finally, the the feasibility of superplatic forming of Mg alloys was examined, taking into account the influence of factors such as grain size stability and microstructural heterogeneities.