Microstructure–property relationships in thermomechanically processed medium-Mn steels with high Al content

Detailed studies on microstructure–property relationships of thermomechanically processed medium-Mn steels with various manganese contents were carried out. Microscopic techniques of different resolution (LM, SEM, TEM) and X-Ray diffraction methods were applied. Static tensile tests were performed to characterize mechanical properties of the investigated steels and to determine the tendency of retained austenite to strain-induced martensitic transformation. Obtained results allowed to characterize the microstructural aspects of strain-induced martensitic transformation and its effect on the mechanical properties. It was found that the mechanical stability of retained austenite depends significantly on the manganese content. An increase in manganese content from 3.3% to 4.7% has a significant impact on the microstructure, stability of γ phase and mechanical properties of the investigated steels. The initial amount of retained austenite was higher for the 3Mn-1.5Al steel in comparison to 5Mn-1.5%Al steel—17% and 11%, respectively. The mechanical stability of retained austenite is significantly affected by the morphology of this phase.