Texture evolution during normal and abnormal grain growth in an Al-1WT% Mn alloy

The texture evolution during normal and abnormal grain growth in an Al-1 wt% Mn alloy was studied. Prior to deformation the amount of precipitates was enhanced by annealing at 500 degreesC for 4 days (3.5x10(5) s). After 80% cold rolling and recrystallization the alloy had a weak cube ({001}< 100 >) texture and a minority texture component, the A component, related to the cube texture by a Sigma5 (36.9 degrees < 100 >) orientation relationship. After limited normal grain growth both the cube and the A component were strengthened. However, both after abnormal grain growth and after extensive normal grain growth, the A component became the dominant texture component. The result is interpreted based on the assumption that Sigma5 boundaries can mi-rate faster than other boundaries in this alloy. Possible reasons to support this hypothesis are discussed. The situation bears resemblance to abnormal grain growth in Fe-3 wt% Si alloys, where special properties are attributed to Sigma9 boundaries. (C) 2001 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.