Development of Goss texture in Al–0.3%Cu annealed after heavy rolling

The evolution of the microstructure and texture during annealing has been studied in the center layer of 95% cold rolled Al–0.3%Cu with a large initial grain size. The cold-rolled condition is characterized by a strong Brass texture component and a deformed microstructure comprising lamellar structures intersected by a large number of shear bands. Recrystallization and precipitation take place during annealing at 200 °C, and a strong Goss texture develops. In the beginning of recrystallization, Goss oriented grains nucleate preferentially at the shear bands. At a later stage of recrystallization, new Goss nuclei can appear in regions where lamellae of the dominant Brass component are interspersed with Goss-oriented subgrains. When recrystallization is almost complete, recrystallized Goss-oriented grains grow into grains of other orientations, which results in a rapid increase in the average grain size of Goss-oriented grains and strengthening of the Goss texture. As a result, new low angle boundaries are formed between Goss-oriented grains in this strongly textured material.