Abstract
An in-situ experimental technique, which involves annealing inside an scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis, was developed to understand the microstructural evolution and recrystallization behavior of rolled ZE20 (Mg-2Zn-0.2Ce). Recrystallization started at 423-473 K. A completely recrystallized microstructure with relatively equiaxed and strain-free grains was observed at 548-573 K, and grain growth was observed afterward. Misorientation angle-axis relationship analysis for the newly formed grains reveals grain boundary formations with various twin relationships. The characterization methodology developed in this work sets the stage for future experiments to understand and control the recrystallization behavior of commercial alloys. Future work is targeted at employing this technique to understand the effect of RE content on the recrystallization behavior of Mg alloys.
