Evolution of deformation texture and magnetic properties in a nanocrystalline nickel–20 wt% cobalt alloy

• The deformation of a nanocrystalline nickel-20 wt% cobalt alloy, to large strains, leads to a characteristic copper-type rolling texture.
• Dislocation based slip process is evident from the deformed microstructures at the later stages of deformation, while grain boundary assisted mechanisms are active during the initial stages.
• The activity of dislocation at higher strain levels is facilitated by deformation-induced grain growth.
• The evolution of magnetic properties is dependent on the deformation texture, while the effect of grain size is insignificant.

The evolution of crystallographic texture in a nanocrystalline nickel–20 wt% cobalt alloy has been investigated for deformation up to large strains. The effect of texture on magnetic properties has been evaluated. The material shows characteristic copper-type texture at large strain levels. Microstructural examinations indicate that the evolution of texture is assisted by deformation-induced grain growth. The values of saturation magnetization and coercivity have been correlated with the crystallographic texture and grain size.