Initial Stages of Recrystallization During Continuous Annealing of IF Steel
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This study explores the initial stages of recrystallization in interstitial-free (IF) steel subjected to an unconventional continuous annealing process with a controlled thermal gradient. A cold-rolled steel strip was exposed to varying annealing temperatures along its length, allowing for analysis of microstructural evolution under different thermal conditions. The microstructure and stored energy were evaluated at various positions along the strip using Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD), with an emphasis on the effects of local misorientation gradients. The results underscore the significant influence of local misorientation and structural inhomogeneity on the kinetics of recrystallization. A notable correlation was identified between the non-recrystallized fraction (NRF) and the misorientation gradient, suggesting that even minor reductions in misorientation can substantially modify the kinetics of recrystallization. Collectively, these findings highlight the crucial role of stored energy distribution and texture evolution in the initial stages of recrystallization during continuous annealing, thereby providing valuable insights for optimizing thermal processing in interstitial-free (IF) steels.