Synergetic improvement in strength and ductility of AZX211 Mg alloy facilitated by {10–12}-{01–12} twin-twin interactions during pre-stretching at cryogenic temperature

Abstract

In the pursuit of enhancing the mechanical properties of magnesium alloys, particularly AZX211, which is renowned for its lightweight characteristics but plagued by low ductility and strength, this study explores the effects of cryogenic pre-stretching at −170 °C. The research reveals that cryogenic pre-stretching triggers the formation of a complex twinning network comprising thin tension twin {10–12} lamellas and multiple twin variants, significantly improving both strength and ductility in the material. The enhanced ductility is attributed to the activation of the prismatic <a> slip system due to texture reorientation, as confirmed by Schmid factor criteria and in-grain misorientation axes (IGMA) analysis.