Texture evolution analysis of warm-rolled Fe–28Mn–6Si–5Cr shape memory alloy

Since texture control tends to be a promising way to improve the shape memory effect (SME) of polycrystalline Fe–Mn–Si shape memory alloys, rolling texture evolution of an Fe–28Mn–6Si–5Cr shape memory alloy was systematically investigated with orientation distribution functions (ODFs) and electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD) analysis. At the rolling temperature of 873 K, Copper-type texture components, including D, S, Goss, as well as a weak Brass, obviously develop before 44% rolling reduction. With increased rolling reduction to 57%, D orientation abruptly disappears, which indicates a texture transition has occurred. S orientation and α fiber texture except the Goss orientation undergo a decrease accompanying the intensification of γ fiber texture. In the whole deformation processes, Goss orientation is the dominant texture component while no pronounced Brass component is observed. The dominant Goss component can be attributed to the preferred Goss orientation both in shear bands and in matrix. When the rolling temperature is decreased to 573 K, even at the early deformation stage, 42% rolling reduction, both D and Brass orientations are not observed. EBSD analysis confirms that the texture evolution is promoted to the early deformation stages at lower rolling temperature.