Effect of rolling methods on microstructure, recrystallization texture and magnetic properties in a Fe–2.5%Si–0.52%Al non-oriented electrical steel

The effect of rolling methods on microstructure, recrystallization texture and magnetic properties in a Fe–2.5%Si–0.52%Al non-oriented electrical steel prepared with initial columnar grains is investigated. The results show that warm rolling promotes η-fiber nucleation and leads to strong η-fiber recrystallization texture at moderate strain, and the promotion effect is not limited in initial {110} < uvw > grains. At higher rolling strain, the intensity of η-fiber texture decreases. Warm rolling also promotes deformation bands with high-angle boundary, and the occurrence of deformation bands is explained with the change of active slip system. The highest B50 value and iron loss lower than 3 W/kg are obtained in 0.5 mm warm rolled sample, corresponding to moderate rolling strain, and λ-fiber texture lowers magnetic anisotropy.