Optimal Bulk Content of Sulfur for High Magnetic Induction in Inhibitor-Free 3% Si-Fe Strips

Effects of bulk content of sulfur on final texture and magnetic induction have been investigated in 3% silicon iron strips. Within the tested range of sulfur content from 11 to 92 ppm, too high or low sulfur contents resulted in a poor magnetic induction arising from no or a limited {110} texture. A weak {110} texture at a high sulfur content is due to the prolonged time period of {100} or {111} grain growth. Despite the shortened time period of selective growth of {100} or {111} grains, also the weak {110} texture at a low sulfur content is probably attributed to a weak grain boundary pinning effect of the weakly segregated sulfur. A moderate sulfur content provides an appropriate pinning effect enough to suppress {100} or {111} selective growth, finally resulting in a sharp {110} texture.