A Further Improvement in the Room-Temperature Formability of Az31-0.5Ca Magnesium Alloy Sheets by Pre-Stretching

In the present study, pre-stretching experiments were carried out on AZ31-0.5Ca magnesium alloy to alter the microstructure and texture for enhancing its room-temperature stretch formability. The alloy samples were pre-stretched to 5%, 10% and finally to 15% and its effects on the structure, properties and performance were analyzed. Compared with the as-received alloy, the room-temperature stretch formability of the 5%-stretched sample was found to be improved by 15%. This was mainly attributed to the enhanced strain hardening capability, which in turn, is related to the evolution of tension twins and the less homogeneous microstructure of this sample.