Microstructure and texture of Nb + Ti stabilized ferritic stainless steel

The microstructure, texture and grain boundary character distribution of Nb + Ti stabilized ferritic stainless steel were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The addition of alloying elements such as Ti and Nb to ferritic stainless steel causes the formation of TiN, NbC and Fe2Nb. The textures of cold rolled samples were dominated by the α-fiber, while the textures of annealed samples exhibit a very strong γ-fiber. The changes in texture are closely related to the grain boundary characteristics.