Computer color mapping of the primary and secondary recrystallized Goss grains which formed during
secondary recrystallization annealing was performed with an image analyzer, using crystallographic
orientation data measured by a Kossel examination.The preferential growth of secondary recrystallized Goss grains took place in a defined zone at the
1/10 depth beneath the surface of the as-decarburized and primary recrystallized steel sheet.With short-time secondary recrystallization annealing, a secondary recrystallized Goss grain with an
80 × 50 μm elliptical form grew preferentially in its defined zone.With further secondary recrystallization annealing, four secondary recrystallized Goss grains coalesced
to sizes of 100-350 μm, and exhibited a zigag morphology due to a difference in the degree of
consumption of primary recrystallized grains by the secondary recrystallized Goss grains. Primary
recrystallized grains with {100}<001>, {100}<0kl>, and {100}<011> orientations were resistant to comsumption by secondary recrystallized Goss grains, but those with {110}<001> and {111}<112> orientations were easily consumed by secondary recrystallized Goss grains.With long-time secondary recrystallized annealing, the full thickness of the silicon steel sheet was
occupied by giant secondary recrystallized Goss grains, which ultimately extended to lengths of several
millimeters. The orientation of the secondary recrystallized Goss grains is highly aligned to the [001]
axis rather than the (110) crystallographic plane.It is considered that the nuclei for preferentially developing secondary recrystallized grains are
inherited by the structure memory from highly oriented (110)[001] areas at the 1/10 depth beneath the
surface of hot-rolled silicon steel sheet.
