Nano-scale characterisation, deformation and failure mechanisms on enhanced-performance modern steels

Abstract

This research project aims to experimentally study the nature and fundamental characteristics of microstructure, deformation and failure mechanisms, focused on various and complex nanoscale phases, such as precipitations and paraequilibrium phases, not yet completely explained in modern nanophase steels by state-of-the-art literature. Moreover, this work focuses on the investigation of correlation of the microstructure with its impact on the mechanical properties in laboratory-developed novel nanophase steels, which mainly consist of a ductile ferrite matrix, and are strongly affected by appropriate alloy design and thermomechanical treatment differentiations. The microstructural investigation will be accomplished by Light Optical Microscopy (LOM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), in conjunction with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Mechanical properties evaluation is assessed by hardness tests. The experimental approach has been designed based on the -nano to macro- examination of the materials under investigation to overall understand and explain their nature and properties. Finally, the outcome endeavours to interpret the nanophases’ influence as well as the contribution of alloying elements and thermomechanical and heat treatment routes on the microstructure-properties relationship of these novel nanophase steels.