Recrystallization kinetics in copper investigated by in situ texture measurements by neutron diffraction

The potential of neutron-diffraction texture measurement as a tool for accurate investigations of recrystallization kinetics is demonstrated by the application of the method to the recrystallization of heavily rolled copper (99.98% purity). The present investigation demonstrates that this technique compares favourably to the standard methods in this field, and it is argued that there is scope for substantial improvements. The results are interpreted in terms of an Avrami equation, and it is suggested that the recrystallization kinetics for the texture components monitored are determined by nucleation and not by growth. The microstructural evolution during recrystallization as studied by light microscopy supports this interpretation.