Dislocation glide and dynamic recrystallization in LiF single crystals

Single crystals of LiF with 〈111〉 orientation have been dynamically recrystallized during steady state of plastic deformation at 673 K. It is shown that localization of single dislocation glide plays an important role in the initiation of continuous dynamic recrystallization. Bands of elongated subgrains of rectangular shape are formed in areas of localized deformation at small strains. Upon subsequent deformation uniform multiple slip occurs and leads to the formation of equiaxed subgrains between bands of elongated subgrains. Further plastic deformation leads to a continuous increase in misorientation of subgrain boundaries and their eventual conversion into high angle boundaries. The mechanisms of the formation of recrystallized grains with different grain boundary configurations and the relationship between grain boundary configuration and character of dislocation slip are discussed.