Observation of deformation modes in Mg-3Al-1Zn

Since magnesium alloys are the lightest metallic materials, they are very attractive for automotive and aerospace industries. The main problem of these alloys is limited ductility due to a shortage of independent slip systems. In order to improve the formability in these alloys, an understanding of the deformation modes is required. In the present work, different slip systems were investigated in rolled Mg-3Al-IZn by means of in situ tensile tests in the SEM. These permitted electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and electron backscatter diffraction imaging (QBSD) to be carried out during the test. The results show that non-basal slip systems are active at room temperature.