Texture evolution during normal and abnormal grain growth in an Al–1 wt% Mn alloy Original Research Article

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°C for 4 days (3.5×105 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 Σ5 (36.9°〈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 Σ5 boundaries can migrate 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 Σ9 boundaries.