Texture evolution and formability under different hot rolling conditions in ultra purified 17%Cr ferritic stainless steels

Abstract

A very non-uniform γ-fiber recrystallization texture usually takes place in ferritic stainless steels, which can deteriorate the formability of final sheets. In order to work out the way of improving the uniformity of γ-fiber recrystallization texture, conventional rolling and warm rolling processes have been carried out with an ultra purified ferritic stainless steel. Texture evolution under different hot rolling conditions was investigated by using macro and micro-texture analyses. It was observed that a non-uniform γ-fiber recrystallization texture was obtained in the final sheet after conventional rolling process, while a nearly uniform γ-fiber recrystallization texture was formed in the final sheet after warm rolling process. Therefore, the formability of the final sheet was significantly improved after warm rolling process. It was indicated that the formation of non-uniform γ-fiber recrystallization texture was attributed to oriented nucleation, whereas the formation of uniform γ-fiber recrystallization texture was explained by a combination of oriented nucleation and preferred growth. ► Effect of hot rolling conditions on texture evolution was studied. ► Uniform γ-fiber recrystallization texture was formed after warm rolling process. ► Formability was improved by employing the warm rolling process. ► The development mechanism of recrystallization texture was explored.