{001}〈120〉−{113}〈361〉 recrystallization textures induced by initial {001} grains and related microstructure evolution in heavily rolled electrical steel

Abstract

This study investigates the origin of {001}〈120〉–{113}〈361〉 recrystallization textures in heavily rolled electrical steel. Initial cube and {001}〈120〉 grains contribute to strong {001}〈120〉–{113}〈361〉 recrystallization textures. Investigations on {001} columnar grains link recrystallization behavior to initial orientations, and the orientations of new {001}〈120〉–{113}〈361〉 grains are related to crystal rotation routes during deformation. Initial cube grains lead to fine nuclei showing strong {001}〈120〉 texture component, whereas {001}〈110〉 grains cause uniformly deformed microstructure and negligible nucleation. For initial {001}〈120〉 grains, the nucleation priority of both {001}〈120〉 and {113}〈361〉 grains are obtained in deformed {001}–{112}〈110〉 areas, and these recrystallized grains are larger than those induced by initial cube grains. In addition to the {001}〈120〉–{113}〈361〉 nucleation advantage owing to initial cube and {001}〈120〉 grains, {113}〈361〉 grains show size advantage and strengthen {113}〈361〉 texture. Regarding Hi-B grain-oriented electrical steel samples, {001} grains in annealed hot bands illustrate deformation and recrystallization behaviors similar to those of columnar grains. Preferred {001}〈120〉–{113}〈361〉 nucleation and coarse {001}〈120〉–{113}〈361〉 recrystallized microstructure show the effect of initial {001}〈120〉 grains to high extent, and these coarse recrystallized grains negatively affect the secondary recrystallization of Goss grains.