The deformation and recrystallization structure as well as the evolution of crystallographic textures of heavily deformed, partially and fully recrystallized Ni3Al, ductilized with minor additions of boron, were investigated. The macroscopic orientation distribution was determined by X-ray pole-figure measurements and subsequent computation of the orientation distribution function (ODF). Convergent electron beam diffraction (CEBD) was employed to obtain information on the orientation topography and the orientation relationship of volume fractions adjacent to deformation inhomogeneities. Single grain orientation measurements by electron back scattering patterns (EBSP) were carried out to study the orientation distribution of new grains in the recrystallized microstructure. From this data the micro texture and the misorientation distribution function were calculated and the grain boundary character distribution was analysed.

The results are discussed with regard to the mechanisms which govern the evolution of the conspicuously inhomogeneous deformation microstructure and deformation textures. A model for the interpretation of the observed microstructure and texture evolution is proposed.