Effect of hydrogen content in the final annealing atmosphere on secondary recrystallization of grain-oriented Si steel

Secondary recrystallization behavior of the grain-oriented silicon steel utilizing MnSe, AlN and Sb as inhibitors was investigated through the observation of the specimens secondary recrystallized partially during the final annealing. The atmosphere of higher hydrogen content accelerated primary grain growth and enhanced {111} and {110} texture in the surface region at the early stage of the final annealing. Consequently, iron loss was reduced due to smaller grains after secondary recrystallization. The best value of the material of 0.23 mm thickness without domain refining was 0.82 W/kg as W-17/50 and 1.95 T as B-8. The fact that hysteresis loss was reduced as well as eddy current loss, makes it evident that many secondary grains having sharp {110} <001> texture developed under the atmosphere of high hydrogen content. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.