Structural and Mechanical Properties of Nanostructured Fe-Mn-C Alloys Prepared by Mechanical Alloying

Abstract

The object of our research is to combine the properties of Mangalloys and nanoscale advantages in order to enhance the performance and extend the range of applications in the field of work-hardening parts such as railroad components, armor, and modern auto components. We have produced a high-manganese austenitic steel nanomaterial containing more than 12 wt% Mn, which is the level of Mn in Hadfield steel. This study experimentally determined the process of phase transitions involved in Fe–13 wt% Mn–1.2 wt% C alloy during mechano-synthesis and after subsequent annealing. The milling time ranged from 0.5 to 24 h. The unique features of the nanocrystalline structure and the changes in microstructure as a function of milling time were investigated by X-ray diffraction analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with EDX. The grain sizes and microstrain of the milled powder were determined. A thorough study has been done on the sample where a new phase fcc (at 24h of MA) was formed.The object of our research is to combine the properties of Mangalloys and nanoscale advantages in order to enhance the performance and extend the range of applications in the field of work-hardening parts such as railroad components, armor, and modern auto components. We have produced a high-manganese austenitic steel nanomaterial containing more than 12 wt% Mn, which is the level of Mn in Hadfield steel. This study experimentally determined the process of phase transitions involved in Fe–13 wt% Mn–1.2 wt% C alloy during mechano-synthesis and after subsequent annealing. The milling time ranged from 0.5 to 24 h. The unique features of the nanocrystalline structure and the changes in microstructure as a function of milling time were investigated by X-ray diffraction analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with EDX. The grain sizes and microstrain of the milled powder were determined. A thorough study has been done on the sample where a new phase fcc (at 24h of MA) was formed.