The influence of thermo-mechanical processing on deformability and structural changes of duplex steel

Purpose: In conventional hot deformation methods of duplex steels, low values of boundary strain are obtained, resulting from the disparate behaviour of ferrite and austenite. This paper analyses the capacity for enhancing deformability of two-phase ferritic-austenitic steels of the "duplex" type via thermo mechanical processing. Design/methodology/approach: Steel specimens were subjected to cold deformation with a 70% rolling reduction. After a hot solution treatment beginning at 1350 degrees centigrade, the specimens were tensioned in the "Instron" strength-testing machine in temperatures ranging from 800 to 950 degrees centigrade at a rate of vr=15x10-3/3x10-1 mm/s in a 0.005 Pa vacuum. Structural examination was carried out using light and electron microscopy. A quantitative analysis of structural changes was performed using the "MetIIo" image analysis programme. Findings: The process parameters at which the investigated steel shows the superplastic flow effect have been determined. Practical implications: The capacity for increased deformability through combined thermo-mechanical processes, requiring a precise selection of the deformation parameters, has been indicated. Originality/value: The results obtained are vital for designing an effective thermo-mechanical processing technology for the investigated steel.