Strong {1 0 0}〈0 1 2〉-{4 1 1}〈1 4 8〉 recrystallization textures in heavily hot-rolled non-oriented electrical steels

•Strong ɑ* recrystallization textures are obtained in heavily hot-rolled silicon steel.•The sheet with strong ɑ* texture is cold-rolled at a medium reduction and annealed.•A strong {1 0 0} texture is finally acquired; the γ-fiber texture is greatly weakened.•ɑ* texture evolution in heavily hot-rolled non-oriented electrical steel is clarified.