Formation of {001} <510> recrystallization texture and magnetic property in strip casting non-oriented electrical steel

A 3.2 wt.%Si–0.7 wt.%Al non-oriented silicon steel as-cast sheet with developed columnar grains and λ-fiber (<001> ∥ ND) texture was produced by twin-roll strip casting process, and subsequently treated with cold rolling and annealing. Texture evolution at each condition was investigated using macro-/microtexture analysis. It was shown that the cold rolled sheet was characterized by pronounced {001} <110> ~{115} <110> fiber and quite weak γ-fiber (<111> ∥ ND) texture. After annealing, the recrystallization texture was dominated by desirable λ-fiber with a peak at {001} <510> together with extremely weak γ-fiber, and consequently the magnetic induction was significantly improved. It was indicated that the formation of {001} <510> recrystallization texture could be attributed to the preferred nucleation and grain growth by the strain-induced grain boundary migration (SIBM) mechanism.

► An as-cast sheet characterized by columnar grains was produced. ► Texture evolution was investigated using macro/microtexture analysis. ► Strong λ-fiber and weak γ-fiber recrystallization texture was formed. ► The magnetic property was improved. ► The formation mechanism of {001} <510> recrystallization texture was explored.