Recrystallization texture development in rare-earth (RE)-doped non-oriented silicon steel

High-grade non-oriented silicon steel with higher permeability and lower core loss has become the pursed target with the rapid development of electrical machines. The effects of rare-earth (RE) element on recrystallization texture in RE-doped Fe-3.1 wt.% Si-1.2 wt.% Al non-oriented silicon steel were investigated by macro- and micro-texture analyses. Nonlinear variation of recrystallization texture with RE element content was observed. In the competition among main recrystallization texture components, favorable {113} <361> and λ fiber (<001>//ND) are strengthened and unfavorable γ fiber is evidently decreased by the addition of RE element, whereas the effect of RE element is reversed by excess RE element. The recrystallization texture development is determined by RE-affected nucleation and grain growth in terms of grain boundary migration related to segregation and inclusion. The properly inhibited grain boundary mobility can promote favorable recrystallization texture by the improved nucleation and efficient grain growth.