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.