Effect of Mn on <100> Texture Evolution in Fe-Si-Mn Alloys

The < 100 > texture can be evolved through the gamma to a transformation by cooling in Fe-Si alloy systems. Oxygen in the annealing atmosphere hampers the evolution of the < 100 > texture. The texture evolution is associated with the fact that the {100} faces are elastically compliant so that the texture can develop in a manner consistent with minimization of strain energy. By alloying Mn to Fe-Si alloys, the < 100 > texture evolves in relatively high oxygen containing annealing atmosphere. The role of Mn in the < 100 > texture evolution appears to be preventing formation of surface oxides, which modify the elastic modulus of metal surface, thereby suppress the development of the correct texture.