Texture evolution in Mg–Mn and Mg–Mn–Ce alloys and the effect of as-cast grain size

Abstract

Texture evolution in rolled (400°C) and annealed (450°C) Mg–1% Mn-based alloys containing different levels of Ce was examined. It was found that Ce refines the as-cast and rolled/annealed grain structure. The overall intensity of the basal texture decreases with Ce additions in both the rolled and subsequently annealed condition. A strong relationship was found between maximum intensity (M) of rolling and annealing textures and the as-cast effective grain size, d ′, i.e. M ∝ e^{0.4 d  ′} (R ²= 0.8), which was attributed to the role of plastic compatibility stresses which lead to grain boundary deformation altering the balance of deformation modes. Contributions from Ce solute effects and lattice parameter changes are also discussed.

Keywords:

• Mg–Mn–Ce alloy
• grain size
• texture

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by funding from the NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council) of Canada/Discovery grant as well as from the NSERC Magnesium Strategic Research Network. More information on the network can be found at www.MagNET.ubc.ca. The authors are especially grateful to Pierre Vermette of McGill University for assistance in casting experiments.