Static Recrystallization Induced by Twinning in AZ31 Magnesium Alloy

The effect of twin types in compressed samples on nucleation of grains and texture evolution during static recrystallization was investigated by using electron backscattered diffraction analysis (EBSD). The cylindrical samples were compressed with a strain of 16%0 at room temperature, followed by annealing after holding at 250 degrees C for 3min, 20min and 60min, respectively. The results show that only a few recrystallization grains can be found in local regions and first nucleated within the twins after annealing for 3min. Recrystallization process can be completed after annealing for 60min. Further research shows that the {10 (1) over bar1}-{10 (1) over bar2} double twins are the preferred sites for new grains nucleation, while the {10 (1) over bar2} tensile twins are unfavorable for the nucleation of static recrystallization. The misorientation angle distribution between new grains and matrix is around 38 degrees randomly. The grain size can be refined effectively by static recrystallization, and the deformation texture is weakened during annealing.