Composition and orientation effects on the final recrystallization texture of coarse-grained Nb-containing AISI 430 ferritic stainless steels

Composition and orientation effects on the final recrystallization texture of three coarse-grained Nb-containing AISI 430 ferritic stainless steels (FSSs) were investigated. Hot-bands of steels containing distinct amounts of niobium, carbon and nitrogen were annealed at 1250 °C for 2 h to promote grain growth. In particular, the amounts of Nb in solid solution vary from one grade to another. For purposes of comparison, the texture evolution of a hot-band sheet annealed at 1030 °C for 1 min (finer grain structure) was also investigated. Subsequently, the four sheets were cold rolled up to 80% reduction and then annealed at 800 °C for 15 min. Texture was determined using X-ray diffraction and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Noticeable differences regarding the final recrystallization texture and microstructure were observed in the four investigated grades. Results suggest that distinct nucleation mechanisms take place within these large grains leading to the development of different final recrystallization textures.