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.