Formation of {1 0 0} textured columnar grain structure in a non-oriented electrical steel by phase transformation

• A strong {1 0 0} texture with columnar grains was obtained.
• Good texture and magnetic properties are attributed to the anisotropic strain energy.
• The anisotropy in elastic strain energy was induced by the temperature gradient.
• The phase transformation rate affects columnar grain morphology.

This study confirms the effect of anisotropic strain energy on the formation of {1 0 0} textured columnar grain structure induced by temperature gradient during γ to α phase transformation in pure hydrogen atmosphere. Results indicate that high temperature gradient in pure hydrogen atmosphere induces a significant strain energy difference across grain boundaries during γ to α phase transformation, leading to the formation of {1 0 0} texture with columnar grains. Given its simplicity in processing and its ability to obtain good texture-related magnetic properties, the proposed approach is helpful to the development of new types of non-oriented electrical steel.