Cube texture generation dependence on deformation textures in cold rolled OFE copper

The evolution of the alpha and beta fiber deformation textures in OFE (oxygen free electronic) Cu for von Mises strains of 1.0-4.5 is reported, as well as how it affects the generation of cube recrystallization textures. Computational volume fraction analysis of the fibers indicates that the deformation texture evolves evenly along the length of the fibers. Fiber weakening during recrystallization does not occur more selectively in any one component or section of the fiber but occurs relatively evenly across the fiber. Cube grains grow without misorientation preference into the deformed structure. Microtextural analysis of the fully recrystallized samples indicates that the cube component (defined as < 20 deg misorientation from {100} < 001 > ) not only strengthens with increasing prior strain but also becomes much sharper, more closely aligned with the exact cube position. These results are explained by the evolution of the environment (texture and microstructure) surrounding potential nucleation sites.