Comparisons of {100} texture improvement and formability in hot-rolled non-oriented electrical steel by austenite–ferrite phase transformation and shear deformation

Over the years, the high magnetic induction of industrial Mn-added electrical steel is assumed to be the enhancement of {100} texture derived from its austenite–ferrite phase transformation during hot rolling (phase transformation (PT) method). However, it is still undetermined without straightforward experimental evidence. The reason for {100} texture improvement of Mn-added electrical steel is experimentally confirmed due to the recrystallization induced by the austenite–ferrite phase transformation during hot rolling. Moreover, a more promising methodology to further improve {100} texture and formability of hot-rolled electrical steel is promoted by the control of hot rolling deformation condition (shear deformation (SD) method). The results show that the nucleation mechanisms of {100} oriented recrystallized grains are different in the samples by SD and PT methods, which are in-depth shear deformation and austenite–ferrite phase transformation, respectively. In this case, coarse {100} oriented recrystallized grains and low residual stress are obtained in the sample by SD method, which is responsible for its superior {100} texture and formability. In contrast, the sample by PT method forms fine recrystallized grains with random orientations and accumulates severe residual stress.