A multi-scale grained microstructure of the surface nanocrystallized 304 stainless steel sheets after warm-rolling

An ultrafine grained microstructure was obtained for 304 stainless steel(304SS)sheets by using surface nanocrystallization and warm-rolling.The microstructure and mechanical properties were determined by X-ray diffraction(XRD),transmission electron microscope(TEM)and a test on microhardness.Experimental results were shown that the microstructure was featured by a continuous distribution from the nanocrystalline on the surface to micro-grains in the center,in which the volume fraction of the micro-sized grains is about 40% in the surface layer.This multi-scale grained microstructure was composed of austenite and martensite phases with a gradient increasing volume fraction of austenite from the surface to the centre.The microhardness of the resultant steel was higher than 150% of that as received,due to the refined grains and strain-induced martensitic transformation.The hardness distribution was consistent with the microstructural variation,suggesting a good combination of high strength and improved ductility.

Improved Plasticity and Cold-rolling Workability of Fe–6.5wt%Si Alloy by Warm-rolling with Gradually Decreasing Temperature

The effects of warm-rolling process on the microstructure, ordering, mechanical properties and cold- rolling workability of Fe-6.Swt%Si alloy were investigated, where three processes of warm-rolling with the same total reduction of 93% were used, including （1） 500 ℃/12 passes/total reduction of 93%, （2） 500 ℃13 passes/total reduction of 50% ＋ 400 ℃19 passes/total reduction of 86%, and （3） 500 ℃13 passes/total reduction of 50% ＋ 400 ℃15 passes/total reduction of 60% ＋ 300 ℃14 passes/total reduction of 64%. The results show that compared with process （1） warm-rolling with constant temperature of 500 ℃, process （2） and process （3） warm-rolling with gradually decreasing temperature can significantly improve the room temperature plasticity and cold-rolling workability of the Fe-6.5wt%Si alloy. For example, the three point bending fracture deflections are increased by 54.5% and 81.8% for processes （2） and （3）, respectively, and the maximum reductions of single pass cold-rolling without edge crack are increased from 50% of process （1） to 55% of process （2） and 62% of process （3）, respectively. The plasticity improvement of the Fe- 6.5wt%Si alloy can be attributed to both reductions of surface oxidation degree and order degree of the alloy by warm-rolling with gradually decreasing temperature.

INFLUENCING FACTORS FOR OBTAINING ULTRAFINE AUSTENITE GRAINS WITH INITIAL MICROSTRUCTURE OF WARM-ROLLED FERRITE/PEARLITE

Three warm-rolled ferrite/pearlite microstructures were prepared by rolling at 500℃, and the austenitizing characteristics were discussed in conjunction with deformation during the heating stage. The results indicated that the final austenite grain size was sensitive to the deformation direction of the initial warm-rolled microstructure. The transient microstructure at a given temperature was the most important influencing factor on the austenitizing characteristic combined with deformation. Moreover, the hot-rolled mierostructure also had to be prepared in an optimal state because of its direct effect on the warm-rolled microstructure.

Strengthening of Ultrafine Lamellar-Structured Martensite Steel via Tempering-Induced Nanoprecipitation

An ultrafine lamellar-structured martensite steel fabricated by heavy warm rolling(HWR)has shown an excellent combination of strength and ductility.By appending tempering at 400℃to HWR,we show that the comprehensive mechanical property of a lamellar-structured low-carbon martensite steel can be further improved to reach a yield strength of~1.8 GPa,an ultimate tensile strength of~2.0 GPa and a total elongation of~9.3%.This is achieved by tempering the HWR steel from 300 to 750℃,and the optimum tempering temperature is thus obtained.We find that the tempered ultrafine lamellar martensite contains high-density nanoprecipitates dispersed within the aligned martensite laths with reduced crystallographic variations.The ultrahigh strength of the steel is rationalized as mainly the result of grain boundary strengthening and precipitation strengthening,which contribute to yield stress by 610 MPa and 440 MPa,respectively.The good ductility is believed to be closely related to the capacity of the tempered grains to accommodate dense dislocations upon plastic deformation.The present thermomechanical processing provides a feasible routine for producing steels with ultrahigh-strength and good-ductility.