Investigation of structure and texture development during annealing of low-carbon steel

Abstract

The effect of carbon in different states of dispersion has been examined in relation to its effect on the texture formed during the annealing of cold-rolled steel sheet. Quantitative texture analyses using orientation distribution functions have been combined with detailed metallographic investigation of changes taking place during recrystallization. Calculations have also been carried out on the rate of dissolution of carbon from cementite particles for a range of relevant conditions. Dissolved carbon present before cold rolling greatly reduces the final annealed {111} texture strength and leads instead to a spread around the Goss orientation. Dissolved carbon present with manganese during annealing also reduces the final {111} intensity, tending to replace it with a number of relatively weak minor components; this is observed during conditions of slow heating, or when primary carbide particles are numerous, and seems to be associated with a significant nucleation rate of new grains during the later stages of recrystallization.MST/389