Processing of NiTi shape memory sheets - Microstructural heterogeneity and evolution of texture

In the present paper we study the evolution of microstructure and texture during processing of Ni51Ti49 shape memory sheets using electron backscatter diffraction. Hot rolling results in a heterogeneous microstructure which reflects a temperature gradient in the sheet. Equiaxed and randomly oriented grains are observed close to the surface of the hot rolled sheet while the sheet interior shows a strong texture containing two main texture components {111}< 110 > and {110}< 110 > with grains elongated along the rolling direction. In contrast, cold rolling in combination with a recrystallization heat treatment produces a more homogeneous microstructure in terms of grain morphology and grain size. It also promotes a random grain orientation along the rolling and transverse directions while the normal direction shows a strong gamma-fiber {111}< uvw >> texture. To get a better understanding of the elementary deformation mechanisms which control the texture evolution during rolling, textures assessed in the present study are compared with simulations reported in the literature. (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier B.V.