Evolution of cube-on-face texture in Fe-1%Si steel induced by physical contact during the phase transformation from γ to α

When any sample is heat treated, it is normally placed on a supporting material. Normally, such physical contact is not expected to affect the microstructure evolution of the sample. In this study, however, the physical contact between Fe-1%Si sheet and the Al2O3 plate was found to have a strong effect on the evolution of a cube-on-face texture during heat treatment, producing as much as 76.0% when determined by the orientation within {100} ±15°. The similar result was obtained for the tungsten and quartz plates. The results provide a promising method to produce the high efficiency Si steel with a cube-on-face texture. [Display omitted] •The texture was compared for specimens with and without physical contact with dissimilar materials.•A strong cube-on-face texture was evolved by physical contact during γ to α phase transformation.•The tensile shear stress coming from the friction appears to be the cause of a cube-on-face texture.