Abstract: The asrolled and asannealed Mg2%Zn1%Gd sheets were processed by 66% rolling at 360℃ and subsequent annealing. The microstructure and mechanical property evolution during processing were studied. The specimens were examined by optical microscopy， tensile test and Erichsen test. The results indicated that during processing， the mechanical property evolution of MgZnGd sheets with different initial state is different， depending on shear band， twin density and grain size. After the whole thermalmechanical processing， the asannealed sheet with the elongation rate of 289% has a better mechanical property and a lower mechanical anisotropy， compared with those of the asrolled sheet. The asannealed sheets also exhibit better formability at room temperature.

Key words: magnesium alloy, heavy reduction, rolling, mechanical property, microstructure