In situ microstructure evolution of oxide dispersion strengthened ferritic steel under uniaxial deformation

The microstructure and texture evolution of oxide dispersion strengthened ferritic steel during stepwise uniaxial tensile deformation were observed by high-resolution electron backscattered diffraction with a newly designed deformation device. The rotation behavior of individual ferrite grains as well as overall preferred orientation were traced and analyzed. The tendency describes that the grains rotate towards the stable orientation of 〈1 0 0〉//ND and 〈1 1 1〉//ND. The degree of rotation was dependent on their initial orientation. Vickers hardness test and transmission electron microscope analysis were performed before and after uniaxial tensile deformation to correlate the microstructure with its mechanical properties.