Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AISI 304L Austenitic Stainless Steel Processed by Various Schedules of Rolling

Abstract

The paper studies various rolling schedules implemented at 500°C (incl. direct, reverse, and cross rolling) and their effect on the structure formation and mechanical properties in AISI 304L stainless steel samples. Both TEM and SEM research techniques were applied. An ultrafine grain-subgrain microstructure was found to be formed inside elongated original grains. Rolling-processed microstructural elements were close in their size with the minimum value observed after a reverse rolling (240 nm). Mechanical properties were studied using microhardness measurements and tensile testing revealing a considerable increase in strength accompanied by a density reduction upon deformation. The strength values in the material subjected to all three rolling schedules are relatively close to the highest yield strength and ultimate tensile stress observed after reverse rolling with a strain degree of 70%.