The inconsistencies regarding the fundamental correlation between Gd content and slip (twinning) activities of Mg alloys appeal further investigations. However, the traditional slip dislocations analysis by TEM is time-consuming, and that by SEM/EBSD cannot recognize the partial slip modes. These urge a more efficient and comprehensive approach to easily distinguish all potential slip modes occurred concurrently in alloy matrix. Here we report a modified lattice rotation analysis that can distinguish all slip systems and provide statistical results for slip activities in Mg alloy matrix. Using this method, the high ductility of Mg-Gd alloy ascribed to the enhanced non-basal slips, cross-slip, and postponed twinning activities by Gd addition is quantitatively clarified.
