Development of (110)[001] texture in thin Fe-3.1Si sheets by diffusion of sulphur into grain boundaries

Secondary recrystallization, causing the development of (110)[001] texture, was obtained in 0.10mm thick sheets made of commercial-purity Fe-3.1Si alloy through the restraint of primary grain growth by diffusion of sulphur from the coating into the grain boundaries. It was found that there is an optimum sulphur content in the coating ensuring the obtainment of a textured material. Above and below that optimum limit there is a mixed structure composed of coarse secondary grains of (110)[001] orientation and fine primary grains of a complex orientation. It was demonstrated that a brief recrystallization annealing at 850°C carried out before/he sulphurizing treatment makes it possible to obtain complete secondary recrystallization and very good magnetic properties in thin strips of Fe-3.1 Si alloy.