Recrystallization kinetics of individual bulk grains in 90 % cold-rolled aluminium

The recrystallization kinetics of a 90% cold-rolled commercial aluminium alloy AA1050 annealed at 270 °C has been investigated by use of 3-dimensional X-ray diffraction (3DXRD) microscopy. For the first time growth curves of a large number of individual bulk grains have been measured in situ during recrystallization providing unique information on the nucleation and growth behaviour of the individual grains.

From observations of 244 individual growth curves, it is found that each grain has its own growth kinetics. The orientation dependencies of the recrystallization kinetics are investigated by grouping the measured growth curves into cube, rolling and other orientation classes. Based on analysis of the growth curves, distributions of nucleation time, grain size and growth rate has been derived, and are used for a discussion of the recrystallization kinetics of aluminium AA1050.