Grain size effect on deformation twinning in Mg–Al–Zn alloy

Specimens of Mg-3Al-1Zn alloy with a wide range of grain size distribution were compressed along different directions. The compressed microstructure was examined to clarify the grain size effect on deformation twinning in magnesium alloys. Small strains were used to reveal the twinning behaviour. The results show that the grain size affects the formation of deformation twins in an Mg-Al-Zn alloy. The reason for a different result being previously reported is given. This study also reports the different deformation microstructures in specimens compressed along different directions.