Influence of intermediate annealing on the grain size-magnetic properties relationship of a non-oriented grain Fe-0.02%C-2%Si electrical steel
摘要
In this study, the effect of intermediate annealing on the microstructural evolution and magnetic properties of a low carbon, high-silicon electrical steel (2%Si-0.02%C-0.7%Al), manufactured from AISI-1005 steel, was analyzed. The material was processed by hot rolling to a thickness of 1.5 mm, followed by intermediate annealing in the range of 850–1050 °C for 15 min, and subsequently cold-rolled to 0.5 mm. Ultimately, final annealing was performed in the same temperature range. Characterization was carried out using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and magnetometry. In general, intermediate annealing favored the formation of equiaxed and homogeneous microstructures, promoting controlled grain growth during final annealing. It was observed that a grain size of 78 μm was obtained in the final annealing to 950 ºC reduced energy losses by up to 83% (from 14.78 to 2.4 W/kg) demonstrating that this condition is favorable for the processing of high-Si steels.
Graphical abstract