Influence of Rolling Path on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties in EB Refined Tantalum

This work reports the effectiveness of multidirectional forging in breaking up the as-cast microstructure, and also discusses the influence of variation in rolling path on the homogeneity and grain size in heavily deformed tantalum (Ta) plates that are subjected to static recrystallization annealing. Ingots of electron-beam-refined, Ta were multi-directionally forged and subsequently cold rolled to a strain of 250 %. Cold rolling was performed in three distinct modes and the effect of the change in the rolling path on the microstructure and mechanical properties in as-rolled and annealed condition were investigated. The influence of such rolling path was found to be significantly strong. Results show that the kinetics of static recrystallization in differently rolled products are equal. Microstructural evaluation has revealed a high degree of homogeneity and elimination of orientation effects in cross rolled products. Discussion on the hardness and tensile properties in various conditions is also presented.