An EBSD Study on Orientation Effects during Recrystallization of Coarse-Grained Niobium

Abstract

The recrystallization behavior of coarse-grained niobium depends on the nature of its deformation microstructure. In this regard, a longitudinal section of a high-purity coarse-grained niobium ingot was cold rolled to a thickness reduction of 96% followed by annealing in vacuum at 800°C for 1 h. Metallographic inspection in cold-rolled and annealed specimens was carried out in a field emission gun scanning electron microscope (FEG-SEM). Microtexture was determined by electron-backscattered diffraction (EBSD) coupled to the FEG-SEM. The use this technique has evidenced details of the boundary character and subgrain structure found in partially recrystallized regions. The early stages of primary recrystallization are associated to the presence of high-angle lamellar boundaries found in the cold-worked state. Abnormal subgrain growth has been evidenced as a viable mechanism for nucleation of recrystallization.