Improvement of microstructures and mechanical properties of AZ31 alloy sheets by particle micro-forging process

In this study, particle micro-forging was used to prepare AZ31 magnesium alloy rolled sheets with a thickness of 0.8 mm by using cold spraying equipment. To further improve the plasticity of the sheet, sheets were annealed at 250 degrees C for 15 min, 30 min, and 60 min. The investigation of microstructures and mechanical characteristics discovered that during the particle micro-forging process, plenty of twins were created by the impact of the steel shot, which contributed to the refinement grains. After the annealing treatment, static recrystallization occurred in the particle micro-forged sheet, which caused grain refinement. Equiaxed grains were formed during the annealing treatment and exhibited a relatively random orientation, weakening the basal texture of the sheet. In addition, the annealing treatment could improve the plasticity and anisotropy of the sheet. Such a variation was conducive to grain refinement and weakening of the texture.