Development of textured Ni substrates prepared by powder metallurgy and casting

Abstract We fabricated the textured Ni substrate for YBCO coated conductors and evaluated the effects of processing variables on microstructural evolution and texture transformation. Initial specimens were prepared by two different methods, i.e., powder metallurgy (P/M) and casting. To characterize the role of two preparation methods, the initial specimens of the same size were prepared under the same rolling and annealing conditions. The microstructure and texture were evaluated by orientation distribution function (ODF), electron backscattering diffraction and transmission electron microscopy with selected area diffraction. We observed that the microstructure of the rolled tape varied with preparation methods; the rolled tape prepared by P/M had more deformation bands and stronger β-fiber texture than that one obtained by casting, resulting in finer microstructure and stronger cube texture after recrystallization. The smaller grains in the former tape were explained by the “variation inhibition theory” together with in situ TEM result. Texture analysis indicated that the substrate made by P/M had a stronger cube texture and a wider annealing temperature range in which the cube texture became stable, compared to that of the casting-substrate. In addition, abnormal grain growth occurred and consequently formed high angle grain boundary for substrate by casting but not for substrate by P/M.