Quantifying primary recrystallization from EBSD maps of partially recrystallized states of an IF steel

Abstract

A set of IF steel specimens, at several stages of recrystallization, were subjected to EBSD analysis to provide data for a study of primary recrystallization. First, a criterion was defined for detecting the recrystallized grains that combines multiple parameters. The new approach pays particular attention to ensuring that reasonable recrystallized fractions are obtained in both the early and late stages of recrystallization. Using this to partition orientations maps into recrystallized and non-recrystallized grains, the distribution and density of nuclei, their correlation with EBSD parameters and stored energy, and their texture were determined. The evolution of the grain size distribution, microstructure and texture is then discussed in terms of the balance of the two main mechanisms (growth of the recrystallized grains into the deformed matrix and grain growth competition between already recrystallized grains) which occur during recrystallization.