Dislocation Microstructure in Copper Multicrystals Deformed under the Sequences: Rolling - Tension and Tension - Rolling

The microstructure evolution of copper multicrystalline sheets, undergoing plastic deformation in the sequences of strain paths rolling – tension and tension – rolling, was studied in the present work. For both sequences, two different types of change of strain path were studied: the tensile and rolling directions were parallel and normal to each other. Samples submitted to these four complex strain paths were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM observations have shown the typical dislocations microstructures for the prestrain paths in tension and rolling. The dislocation microstructures observed during the second path were analysed and discussed as a function of the sequence and of the type of strain path change (parallel and normal sequential paths). Special microbands features were observed during the second path, for both sequences, rolling – tension and tension – rolling. The appearance of such microstructural features is discussed in terms of the sequence and type of strain path change and it is linked with the slip activity during the second deformation mode.