A micro-mechanism to explain the post-DRX grain growth at temperatures > 0.8Tm

A micro-mechanism responsible for the occurrence of post-dynamic recrystallization (DRX) grain growth during deformation at T > 0.8T(m) is described. Thermo-mechanical testing, microstructural characterization and diffraction studies reveal the link between slip and grain growth. If deformation is imparted in a single stage, grains grow by a cooperative growth process involving grain rotation and alignment of slip planes. This mechanism changes when deformation is interrupted and controlled intermediate soaking is performed before re-loading. A premeditated control of mechanism is shown to yield favourable microstructural and mechanical properties. A strategy to apply this control to industrial hot deformation is outlined.