Strengthening Mg-Al-Zn alloy by repetitive oblique shear strain with caliber roll

Grain refinement of an Mg-3Al-1Zn-0.2Mn (wt.%) alloy was conducted by severe plastic working with caliber rolling. The alloy's yield strength was increased to more than 400 MPa, which is twice that of an initially extruded alloy, and its yield asymmetry in compression against tension was reduced by the weakened basal texture caused by the shear deformation. (C) 2009 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.