Microstructural and texture changes in severely deformed aluminum alloys

Qualitative and quantitative texture changes were investigated in a severely deformed aluminum alloy of the 5xxx series. The as-cast material was subjected to cold rolling with a maximum von Mises equivalent strain of 5.15. After recrystallization at 550 °C, unusual textures were observed in the rolled materials with a thickness reduction of more than 97%. The influence of both strain amplitude and strain mode on the development of the deformation and recrystallization textures was discussed based on experimental data and results of crystal plasticity calculations.

Research Highlights
► Unusual recrystallization (RX) textures evolved in severely deformed (SD) Al sheets.
► Increasing the rolling reduction causes qualitative texture changes in RX sheets.
► RX is controlled by particle stimulated nucleation after severe rolling reduction.
► Recrystallization occurs on microstructural sites with low stored energy.