Texture evolution and variations of α-phase volume fraction in cold-rolled AISI 301 steel strip

AISI 301 austenitic stainless steel strip was cold-rolled at room temperature. Strain-induced martensite (α-phase) occurred in the structure of the steel. The α-phase volume fraction increased with increasing rolling reduction. Both austenite and martensite exhibited texture. The character of the texture evolution was analysed as influenced by increasing plastic deformation, considering the variations of different crystallographic orientations in both phases. The α-phase volume fraction was determined after each rolling pass, as well as mechanical testing of strip before deformation and after each pass was performed. This allowed the interdependence between the evolution of texture, phase composition and mechanical properties of the investigated steel to be observed.