Texture and lattice strain evolution in a pearlitic steel during shear deformation: An in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction study

In-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiments were conducted on the pearlitic steel sample with a carbon content of 0.74% by weight. Specimens were subjected to uniaxial loading that induced shear deformation and two-dimensional diffraction patterns were acquired. The evolution of the lattice microstrain and the strain-resolved crystallographic texture development of both ferrite (alpha-BCC) and cementite (theta-orthorhombic) phases were followed. The analysis revealed that the texture changed from {110}<113>(alpha) to {113}<121>(alpha) component and then, stabilized at {013}<uvw>(alpha) orientations. The theta phase exhibited a weak texture in the {100, 010, and 001}(theta) family planes. Additionally, it was revealed that the nucleation of interfacial defects at the alpha/theta interface promotes the amorphization of cementite and the activation of slip systems in less densely packed {310}(alpha) planes. The influence of microstructural changes on mechanical properties is discussed.