Texture Evolution of IF-Steel Sheets Processed by Equal-Channel Angular Sheet Extrusion (ECASE)

Interstitial-Free steel (IF-steel) sheets were severe plastically deformed using a continuous equal-channel angular extrusion/pressing technique called "Equal-Channel Angular Sheet Extrusion (ECASE). After processing, texture development as well as microstructural alteration and tensile properties were investigated. The microstructural investigations revealed that the processed sheets exhibited a dislocation cell and/or subgrain structures with mostly low angle grain boundaries. It was also observed that the strength of the processed sheets increased substantially after ECASE processing in the expense of ductility. It was shown that the ECASE has moderate influence on the texture of IF-steel sheets through route A. Intially there was < 111 >(theta) partial fiber which changes to {110}(theta) with straining.