Effect of flash processing on recrystallization behavior and mechanical performance of cold-rolled IF steel

Flash processing (FP) has attracted considerable attention due to its high efficiency, economic advantages, and the extraordinary opportunity if offers to improve the mechanical properties of steel. In this study, we investigated the influences of FP on the recrystallization (REX) behavior and mechanical performance of cold-rolled IF steel. Using a thermomechanical simulator, we performed both single-stage FPs, at heating rates of 200°C/s and 500°C/s, and two-stage FP, with an initial preheating to 400°C at a rate of 5°C/s and then to peak temperatures at a rate of 200°C/s. In comparison to continuous annealing (CA), single-stage FP can effectively refine the recrystallized grain sizes and produce a similar or even sharper γ (ND (normal direction)//{111}) texture component. In particular, the heating rate of 500°C/s led to an increase in the yield strength of about 23.2% and a similar ductility. In contrast, the two-stage FP resulted in a higher REX temperature as well as a certain grain refinement due to the stored strain energy, i.e., the driving force of REX, which was largely consumed during preheating. Furthermore, both stronger {110}<110> and weaker γ texture components appeared in the two-stage FP and were believed to be responsible for the early necking and deterioration in ductility.