Texture evolution and fcc/hcp transformation in Fe–Mn–Si–Cr alloys by tensile deformation

In this study, evolution characteristics of the texture and microstructure of Fe–Mn–Si–Cr shape memory alloys (SMAs) upon tensile deformation were investigated. Electron backscatter diffraction analysis revealed that the tensile deformation in the rolling direction (RD) of sample sheets resulted in the evolution of microstructure containing stress-induced ɛ martensite and texture components belonging to 〈1 1 1〉 and 〈1 0 0〉//RD fibers. Quantitative measurement of ɛ martensite formation in individual austenite grains at the strain levels of 4% and 5% revealed that among the 〈1 0 0〉, 〈1 0 1〉, and 〈1 1 1〉 grains which are oriented along the tensile direction, 〈1 0 1〉 oriented grain showed the highest ɛ martensite formation rate. In the recrystallized state, the volume fraction of 〈1 0 1〉 texture component in 20% tensile deformed samples was slightly higher in the transverse direction (TD) than in the RD. Because of that preferred orientation recovery strain was slightly higher in the TD sample than in the RD sample.