Microstructure, texture and magnetic properties of the semi-processed strip-cast non-oriented electrical steel

Abstract

{100}<0vw> texture is the favorable texture in non-oriented electrical steels (NOES). However, the conventional processes are difficult to produce NOES with strong {100}<0vw> texture. In this study, the 0.35 mm thick 3.1% Si NOES with strong {100}<0vw> texture was produced by the top-side pouring twin-roll casting, cold rolling with or without intermediate annealing, and final annealing process. The microstructure and texture were characterized by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction and electron backscatter diffraction. Compared to the one-stage cold-rolled strip-cast NOES, the semi-processed (two-stage cold-rolled) strip-cast NOES with intermediate annealing at 650 °C and 700 °C have stronger {100}<0vw> texture and better magnetic properties. The reason is that the semi-processing method can avoid the encroachment on {100}<0vw> grains by other oriented grains, which can encroach on the {100}<0vw> grains by strain-induced grain boundary migration mechanism. Furthermore, the effect of intermediate annealing temperature on the microstructure, texture, and magnetic properties of the semi-processed strip-cast NOES were studied.