Pct Mn Research Articles

Warm Formability of 0.2 Pct C-1.5 Pct Si-5 Pct Mn Transformation-Induced Plasticity-Aided Steel

The warm stretch formability and flangeability of 0.2 pct C-1.5 pct Si-5 pct Mn transformation-induced plasticity-aided sheet steel with annealed martensite matrix were investigated for automotive applications. Both formabilities were enhanced by warm forming at peak temperatures of 423 K to 573 K and 423 K to 523 K (150 °C to 300 °C and 150 °C to 250 °C), respectively. The superior warm formabilities were mainly due to the stabilization of a large amount of retained austenite by warm forming and the consequent considerably suppressed void growth at the interface between the matrix and transformed martensite, despite there being large hole punching damage for the stretch flangeability. High peak temperatures for stretch formability and flangeability were associated with apparently increased M S of the retained austenite resulting from the increased mean normal stress on stretch forming and hole expansion.

Morphological Stability of δ-Ferrite/γ Interphase Boundary in Carbon Steel

The morphological changes of the δ-ferrite/γ interphase boundary have been observed in situ with a high-temperature confocal scanning laser microscope (HTCSLM) during δ/γ transformations (δ → γ and γ → δ) of Fe-0.06 wt pct C-0.6 wt pct Mn alloy, and a kinetic equation of morphological stability of δ-ferrite/γ interphase boundary has been established. Thereafter, the criterion expression for morphological stability of δ-ferrite/γ interphase boundary was established and discussed, and the critical migration speeds of δ-ferrite/γ interphase boundaries are calculated in Fe-C, Fe-Ni, and Fe-Cr alloys. The results indicate that the δ-ferrite/γ interphase boundary is very stable and nearly remains absolute planar all the time during γ → δ transformation in Fe-C alloy. The δ-ferrite/γ interphase boundary remains basically planar during δ → γ transformation when the migration speed is lower than 0.88 μm/s, and the interphase boundary will be unstable and exhibit a finger-like morphology when the migration speed is higher than 0.88 μm/s. The morphological stability of δ-ferrite/γ interphase boundary is primarily controlled by the interface energy and the solute concentration gradient at the front of the boundary. During the constant temperature phase transformation, an opposite temperature gradient on both sides of δ-ferrite/γ interphase boundary weakens the steady effect of the temperature gradient on the boundary. The theoretical analysis of the morphological stability of the δ-ferrite/γ interphase boundary is coincident with the observed experimental results utilizing the HTCSLM. There is a good agreement between the theoretical calculation of the critical moving velocities of δ-ferrite/γ interphase boundaries and the experimental results.

Identification of Inverse Bainite in Fe-0.84C-1Cr-1Mn Hypereutectoid Low Alloy Steel

A unique dilatation trend is observed for isothermal bainite transformation in Fe-0.84 pct C-1 pct Cr-1 pct Mn steel. The dilatation is found to occur in two stages with volumetric contraction dominating the first stage, followed by volumetric expansion dominating the second stage. Through electron microscopic characterization, bainitic microstructure is identified as inverse bainite with cementite (Fe3C) nucleating first from supersaturated austenite followed by the transformation of ferrite and secondary carbides (Fe3C, Fe2C, and Fe5C2) from carbon-depleted austenite.

Replacement of Ni by Mn in High-Ni-Containing Austenitic Cast Steels used for Turbo-Charger Application

High-temperature tensile properties of austenitic cast steels fabricated by replacing Ni by Mn in a 20 wt pct Ni-containing steel were investigated. In a steel where 8 wt pct Ni was replaced by 9.2 wt pct of Mn, 17.4 and 9.8 pct of ferrite existed in equilibrium phase diagrams and actual microstructures, respectively, because a role of Mn as an austenite stabilizer decreased, and led to deterioration of high-temperature properties. When 2 to 6 wt pct Ni was replaced by 2.3 to 6.9 wt pct Mn, high-temperature properties were comparable to those of the 20 wt pct Ni-containing steel because ferrites were absent, which indicated the successful replacement of 6 wt pct Ni by Mn, with cost reduction of 27 pct.

Hot Deformation Behavior of As-Cast 2101 Grade Lean Duplex Stainless Steel and the Associated Changes in Microstructure and Crystallographic Texture

The hot deformation behavior of 2101 grade lean duplex stainless steel (DSS, containing similar to 5 wt pct Mn, similar to 0.2 wt pct N, and similar to 1.4 wt pct Ni) and associated microstructural changes within delta-ferrite and austenite (gamma) phases were investigated by hot-compression testing in a GLEEBLE 3500 simulator over a range of deformation temperatures, T (def) 1073 K to 1373 K (800 A degrees C to 1100 A degrees C)], and applied strains, epsilon (0.25 to 0.80), at a constant true strain rate of 1/s. The microstructural softening inside gamma was dictated by discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (DDRX) at a higher T (def) 1273 K to 1373 K (1000 A degrees C to 1100 A degrees C)], while the same was dictated by continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) at a lower T (def) (1173 K (900 A degrees C)]. Dynamic recovery (DRV) and CDRX dominated the softening inside delta-ferrite at T (def) 1173 K (900 A degrees C). The dynamic recrystallization (DRX) inside delta and gamma could not take place upon deformation at 1073 K (800 A degrees C). The average flow stress level increased 2 to 3 times as the T (def) dropped from 1273 to 1173 K (1000 A degrees C to 900 A degrees C) and finally to 1073 K (800 A degrees C). The average microhardness values taken from delta-ferrite and gamma regions of the deformed samples showed a different trend. At T (def) of 1373 K (1100 A degrees C), microhardness decreased with the increase in strain, while at T (def) of 1173 K (900 A degrees C), microhardness increased with the increase in strain. The microstructural changes and hardness variation within individual phases of hot-deformed samples are explained in view of the chemical composition of the steel and deformation parameters (T (def) and epsilon). (C) The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society and ASM International 2016

Predicting Pathways for Synthesis of Ferromagnetic τ Phase in Binary Heusler Alloy Al-55 pct Mn Through Understanding of the Kinetics of ε–τ Transformation

This paper outlines the detailed procedure for the synthesis of pure ferromagnetic tau phase in binary Heusler Al-55 pct Mn alloy in bulk form through casting route without any addition of stabilizers. To obtain the processing domain for the formation of the tau phase from high-temperature epsilon phase, isothermal transformation experiments were carried out. The structure and microstructure were characterized by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy studies. The tau phase start times were obtained through magnetic measurements. In order to tune the casting conditions for the formation of this phase, thermal modeling was carried out to predict the heat extraction rates for copper molds of different diameters (2 to 12 mm) containing hot solids during casting process. This enabled us to estimate the diameter of the mold to be used for obtaining tau phase directly during casting. It was concluded through experimental verification that 10-mm-diameter casting in copper mold is suitable to obtain complete tau phase. A saturation magnetization of 116 emu/g at 10 K was measured for such samples. The Curie point for the tau phase was found to be 668 K (395 A degrees C). Additionally, the cast rod exhibits a compressive strength of 1170 MPa which is higher than those of both ferrites and AlNiCo magnets.

Tool Steel Heat Treatment Optimization Using Neural Network Modeling

Optimization of tool steel properties and corresponding heat treatment is mainly based on trial and error approach, which requires tremendous experimental work and resources. Therefore, there is a huge need for tools allowing prediction of mechanical properties of tool steels as a function of composition and heat treatment process variables. The aim of the present work was to explore the potential and possibilities of artificial neural network-based modeling to select and optimize vacuum heat treatment conditions depending on the hot work tool steel composition and required properties. In the current case training of the feedforward neural network with error backpropagation training scheme and four layers of neurons (8-20-20-2) scheme was based on the experimentally obtained tempering diagrams for ten different hot work tool steel compositions and at least two austenitizing temperatures. Results show that this type of modeling can be successfully used for detailed and multifunctional analysis of different influential parameters as well as to optimize heat treatment process of hot work tool steels depending on the composition. In terms of composition, V was found as the most beneficial alloying element increasing hardness and fracture toughness of hot work tool steel; Si, Mn, and Cr increase hardness but lead to reduced fracture toughness, while Mo has the opposite effect. Optimum concentration providing high KIc/HRC ratios would include 0.75 pct Si, 0.4 pct Mn, 5.1 pct Cr, 1.5 pct Mo, and 0.5 pct V, with the optimum heat treatment performed at lower austenitizing and intermediate tempering temperatures.

The Impact of Retained Austenite Characteristics on the Two-Body Abrasive Wear Behavior of Ultrahigh Strength Bainitic Steels

In the current study, a high-carbon, high-alloy steel (0.79 pct C, 1.5 pct Si, 1.98 pct Mn, 0.98 pct Cr, 0.24 pct Mo, 1.06 pct Al, and 1.58 pct Co in wt pct) was subjected to an isothermal bainitic transformation at a temperature range of 473 K to 623 K (200 °C to 350 °C), resulting in different fully bainitic microstructures consisting of bainitic ferrite and retained austenite. With a decrease in the transformation temperature, the microstructure was significantly refined from ~300 nm at 623 K (350 °C) to less than 60 nm at 473 K (200 °C), forming nanostructured bainitic microstructure. In addition, the morphology of retained austenite was progressively altered from film + blocky to an exclusive film morphology with a decrease in the temperature. This resulted in an enhanced wear resistance in nanobainitic microstructures formed at low transformation temperature, e.g., 473 K (200 °C). Meanwhile, it gradually deteriorated with an increase in the phase transformation temperature. This was mostly attributed to the retained austenite characteristics (i.e., thin film vs blocky), which significantly altered their mechanical stability. The presence of blocky retained austenite at high transformation temperature, e.g., 623 K (350 °C) resulted in an early onset of TRIPing phenomenon during abrasion. This led to the formation of coarse martensite with irregular morphology, which is more vulnerable to crack initiation and propagation than that of martensite formed from the thin film austenite, e.g., 473 K (200 °C). This resulted in a pronounced material loss for the fully bainitic microstructures transformed at high temperature, e.g., 623 K (350 °C), leading to distinct sub-surface layer and friction coefficient curve characteristics. A comparison of the abrasive behavior of the fully bainitic microstructure formed at 623 K (350 °C) and fully pearlitic microstructure demonstrated a detrimental effect of blocky retained austenite with low mechanical stability on the two-body abrasion.

Phase Transformation Behavior of Medium Manganese Steels with 3 Wt Pct Aluminum and 3 Wt Pct Silicon During Intercritical Annealing

Medium manganese steels alloyed with sufficient aluminum and silicon amounts contain high fractions of retained austenite adjustable to various transformation-induced plasticity/twinning-induced plasticity effects, in addition to a reduced density suitable for lightweight vehicle body-in-white assemblies. Two hot rolled medium manganese steels containing 3 wt pct aluminum and 3 wt pct silicon were subjected to different annealing treatments in the present study. The evolution of the microstructure in terms of austenite transformation upon reheating and the subsequent austenite decomposition during quenching was investigated. Manganese content of the steels prevailed the microstructural response. The microstructure of the leaner alloy with 7 wt pct Mn (7Mn) was substantially influenced by the annealing temperature, including the variation of phase constituents, the morphology and composition of intercritical austenite, the Ms temperature and the retained austenite fraction. In contrast, the richer variant 10 wt pct Mn steel (10Mn) exhibited a substantially stable ferrite-austenite duplex phase microstructure containing a fixed amount of retained austenite which was found to be independent of the variations of intercritical annealing temperature. Austenite formation from hot band ferrite-pearlite/bainite mixtures was very rapid during annealing at 1273 K (1000 °C), regardless of Mn contents. Austenite growth was believed to be controlled at early stages by carbon diffusion following pearlite/bainite dissolution. The redistribution of Mn in ferrite and particularly in austenite at later stages was too subtle to result in a measureable change in austenite fraction. Further, the hot band microstructure of both steels contained a large fraction of coarse-grained δ-ferrite, which remained almost unchanged during intercritical annealing. A recently developed thermodynamic database was evaluated using the experimental data. The new database achieved a better agreement with the experimental results for the 7Mn steel compared with the existing commercial TCFE database; however, some discrepancy in the predicted phase fractions and compositions still existed. The phase transformation behavior of the two steels during annealing and its implication on the design of high aluminum-silicon medium manganese steels were discussed in detail.

Fatigue Hardening Behavior of 1.5 GPa Grade Transformation-Induced Plasticity-Aided Martensitic Steel

Low cycle fatigue hardening/softening behavior of a 0.2 pct C–1.5 pct Si–1.5 pct Mn–1.0 pct Cr–0.2 pct Mo–0.05 pct Nb transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP)-aided steel consisting of a wide lath martensite structure matrix and a narrow lath martensite–metastable retained austenite mixture was investigated. The steel exhibited notable fatigue hardening in the same way as TRIP-aided bainitic ferrite steel, although conventional martensitic steel such as SCM420 steel with the same tensile strength exhibited fatigue softening. The considerable fatigue hardening of this steel is believed to be associated mainly with the compressive internal stress that results from a difference in flow stress between the matrix and the martensite–austenite-like phase, with a small contribution from the strain-induced transformation and dislocation hardenings.

Impact Toughness of 0.2 Pct C-1.5 Pct Si-(1.5 to 5) Pct Mn Transformation-Induced Plasticity-Aided Steels with an Annealed Martensite Matrix

The impact properties of 0.2 pct C-1.5 pct Si-(1.5 to 5) pct Mn transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP)-aided steels with an annealed martensite matrix which had been subjected to isothermal transformation after inter-critical annealing were investigated for potential automotive applications. The impact properties are related to the retained austenite characteristics of the steels. The products of tensile strength (TS) and Charpy impact absorbed value (CIAV) were the same for the 1.5 and 5 pct Mn steels, although the ductile–brittle transition temperature was higher for the latter. The impact properties of the 3 pct Mn steel were worse than these two steels. The high TS × CIAV value for the 5 pct Mn steel at 293 K (25 °C) was mainly caused by the TRIP effect of a larger amount of retained austenite (36 vol pct) and the hardened matrix structure; low retained austenite stability and/or a hard martensite–austenite phase reduced this value. The higher ductile–brittle transition temperature of the 5 pct Mn steel was associated with Mn segregation, a large amount of unstable retained austenite on prior austenitic grain boundaries, and decreased cleavage fracture stress owing to the high Mn content.

Thermodynamic Driving Force of the γ → ε Transformation and Resulting MS Temperature in High-Mn Steels

Two-stage transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) behavior characterized by the martensitic transformations, γ → e → α′, has produced exceptional tensile strengths and work hardening rates in Fe-14 wt pct Mn alloys containing Al and Si. A regular solution model has been developed to accurately calculate ΔG γ → e for a given TRIP alloy and the calculated driving force is used to determine the M S e temperature. The regular solution model developed here predicted driving forces that corresponded well with reported microstructures and behavior of seven FeMnAlSiC steels from literature when considered in conjunction with nucleating defect critical size and material process history. The role of available nucleating defects of critical size, n*, has been linked to the stacking fault energy necessary to observe the γ → e transformation and the M S e temperature. The regular solution model provided excellent correlation between calculated M S e temperatures and those measured experimentally in 89 alloys from literature and suggested n* = 4 is the critical size of a nucleating defect in annealed microstructures. Factors affecting the γ → e transformation and the M S e temperature have been identified as prior austenite grain size, dislocation substructure due to prior deformation, and solute segregation.

Kinetics of Solute Partitioning During Intercritical Annealing of a Medium-Mn Steel

The evolution of austenite fraction and solute partitioning (Mn, Al, and C) during intercritical annealing was calculated for a medium-Mn steel containing 11 pct Mn. Austenite growth takes place in three stages. The first stage is growth under non-partitioning local equilibrium (NPLE) controlled by carbon diffusion in ferrite. The second stage is growth under partitioning local equilibrium (PLE) controlled by diffusion of Mn in ferrite. The third stage is shrinkage of austenite under PLE controlled by diffusion of Mn in austenite. During PLE growth, the austenite is progressively enriched in Mn. Compositional spikes evolve early during NPLE growth and broaden with annealing temperature and time.

Prediction and Validation of the Austenite Phase Fraction upon Intercritical Annealing of Medium Mn Steels

Abstract In this research, the effects of Mn and Si concentration and that of the isothermal intercritical holding temperature on the austenite-to-ferrite (γ → α) and the martensite-to-austenite (α′ → γ) phase transformations are studied for a series of Fe-C-Mn-Si steels with up to 7 wt pct Mn. The model is based on the local equilibrium (LE) concept. The model predictions are compared to experimental observations. It is found that the austenite volume fraction at the end of intercritical annealing depends significantly on the initial microstructure. For Mn concentrations between 3 and 7 wt pct, the LE model is qualitatively correct. However, at higher Mn levels the discrepancy between the predicted austenite fractions and the experimental values increases, in particular for the α′ → γ transformation. Intragrain nucleation is held responsible for the higher austenite fractions observed experimentally. Silicon is found have a much smaller effect on the kinetics of the intercritical annealing than Mn.

Corrosion Behavior of High-Strength Bainitic Rail Steels

The present work discusses corrosion behavior of newly developed bainitic steels made by isothermal heat treatment of a new steel composition (0.71 pct C, 1.15 pct Mn, 0.20 pct Ni, 0.59 pct Cr, 0.40 pct Cu, 0.35 pct Si, 0.026 pct S, 0.027 pct P, and rest Fe (weight percent)). Corrosion behavior of the pearlitic steel made by normalization is also studied. Electrochemical polarization and salt fog tests are carried out in 0.6 M NaCl. Steel rusts after salt fog tests are analyzed. Modified composition, finer microstructures, and compact rust morphology attribute to better corrosion resistance of the bainitic steels. Corrosion mechanisms for the pearlitic and bainitic steels are discussed.

Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of High-Mn TRIP Steel Based on Warm Deformation of Martensite

High-Mn TRIP steel with about 5 wt pct Mn was prepared by a thermo-mechanical treatment based on warm deformation of martensite and subsequent short-time annealing in the intercritical region. The microstructural evolution and the mechanical properties of the used steel during such treatment were investigated. The results indicate that during warm deformation of martensite in the intercritical region, the decomposition of martensite was accelerated by warm deformation and the occurrence of dynamic recrystallization of ferrite led to the formation of equiaxed ferrite grains. Meanwhile, the reverse transformation of austenite was accelerated by warm deformation to some extent. During subsequent annealing in the intercritical region, static recrystallization of ferrite led to the increase in the fraction of equiaxed ferrite grains, and the formation of the reversed austenite was accelerated by the addition of the deformation-stored energy, while the stability of the reversed austenite was improved by the accelerated diffusions of C atoms and Mn atoms. As a whole, the mechanical properties of the used steel by the thermo-mechanical treatment based on warm deformation of martensite and subsequent short-time annealing in the intercritical region were comparable to the steels with similar compositions subjected to intercritical annealing for hours after cold rolling of martensite.

The Partition Coefficients of Components in Cu-Ni-Mn Alloys

Dendritic microsegregation was calculated using a Scheil-based solidification model for three alloys: 50.1 pct Cu-25.8 pct Ni-24.1 pct Mn; 42.4 pct Cu-25.4 pct Ni-32.2 pct Mn; 34.3 pct Cu-26.2 pct Ni-39.5 pct Mn. The dendritic microsegregation in these alloys was investigated using energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. It was shown by calculation and experimental methods that in all three alloys, the partition coefficient (k) of manganese passes through the value k Mn = 1. This is shown by the presence of two maxima on the manganese concentration profile in the dendritic cell. It was calculated that the copper partition coefficient in these alloys should also pass through the value k Cu = 1; however, this has not been confirmed experimentally. The possible reason for this may be because of the inaccuracies in the phase diagram of the Cu-Ni-Mn system that was used and also in the difference of the copper and manganese diffusion coefficients in the alloy.

Annealing Temperature Dependence of the Tensile Behavior of 10 pct Mn Multi-phase TWIP-TRIP Steel

In the present study, the relationship between the microstructure and the mechanical properties of Fe-10 pct Mn-3 pct Al-2 pct Si-0.3 pct C multi-phase steel was investigated. The 10 pct Mn multi-phase steel exhibits a combination of high tensile strength and enhanced ductility resulting from deformation-twinning and strain-induced transformation occurring in succession. A pronounced intercritical annealing temperature dependence of the tensile behavior was observed. The annealing temperature dependence of the retained austenite volume fraction, composition, and the grain size was analyzed experimentally, and the effect of the microstructural parameters on the kinetics of mechanical twinning and strain-induced martensite formation was quantified. A dislocation density-based constitutive model was developed to predict the mechanical properties of 10 pct Mn multi-phase steel. The model also allows for the determination of the critical strain for dynamic strain aging effect.

Reciprocating Sliding Wear Behavior of Newly Developed Bainitic Steels

The present work discusses the mechanical properties and wear behavior of newly developed bainitic rail steels with nominal composition of 0.71 pct C, 0.35 pct Si, 1.15 pct Mn, 0.59 pct Cr, 0.40 pct Cu, and 0.20 pct Ni (all in wt pct)). Isothermal transformation has been carried out at different time and temperatures for obtaining different bainitic morphologies. Linearly reciprocating sliding wear behavior of the steels has been studied and compared with that of the conventional pearlitic rail steel. Considerable improvement in mechanical properties of the bainitic steels has been noticed. The hardness of the bainitic steels increases with decrease in isothermal transformation temperature. It leads to enhancement of wear resistance of the bainitic steels compared to the conventional rail steel. Finally, it clearly draws correlation between mechanical properties, wear resistance, and microstructural variation of a series of bainitic rail steels.

Effect of Mn Addition on Microstructural Modification and Cracking Behavior of Ferritic Light-Weight Steels

In the present study, effects of Mn addition on cracking phenomenon occurring during cold rolling of ferritic light-weight steels were clarified in relation to microstructural modification involving κ-carbide, austenite, and martensite. Four steels were fabricated by varying Mn contents of 3 to 12 wt pct, and edge areas of steel sheets containing 6 to 9 wt pct Mn were cracked during the cold rolling. The steels were basically composed of ferrite and austenite in a band shape, but a considerable amount of κ-carbide or martensite existed in the steels containing 3 to 6 wt pct Mn. Microstructural observation of the deformed region of fractured tensile specimens revealed that cracks which were initiated at ferrite/martensite interfacial κ-carbides readily propagated along ferrite/martensite interfaces or into martensite areas in the steel containing 6 wt pct Mn, thereby leading to the center or edge cracking during the cold rolling. In the steel containing 9 wt pct Mn, edge cracks were found in the final stage of cold rolling because of the formation of martensite by the strain-induced austenite to martensite transformation, whereas they were hardly formed in the steel containing 12 wt pct Mn. To prevent or minimize the cracking, it was recommended that the formation of martensite during the cooling from the hot rolling temperature or during the cold rolling should be suppressed, which could be achieved by the enhancement of thermal or mechanical stability of austenite with decreasing austenite grain size or increasing contents of austenite stabilizers.