Investigation of prism 〈a〉 slip in warm-rolled AZ31 alloy

Based on analysis of texture and in-grain misorientation axes (IGMA) distribution, we investigate the effects of initial orientation and deformation temperature on the rollability of magnesium alloy AZ31 and the associated deformation mechanisms. Plate samples oriented favorably for basal 〈a〉 slip exhibited the best rollability at room temperature, whereas under the warm-rolling condition, surprisingly, the plate oriented for prism 〈a〉 slip exhibited the best rollability. The enhanced rollability of the latter plate is attributed to increased activity of prism 〈a〉 slip, which exhibits a lower texture hardening rate than basal 〈a〉 slip. The increased activity of prism 〈a〉 slip is shown experimentally by the development of the 〈 101̄0〉 //RD texture and 〈0001〉- type IGMA distribution. Asymmetric texture is also suggested to impair the rollability of plate oriented for basal 〈a〉 slip.