Hot-working of advanced high-manganese austenitic steels

Purpose: The work consisted in investigation of newly elaborated high-manganese austenitic steels with Nb and Ti microadditions in variable conditions of hot-working. Design/methodology/approach: The force-energetic parameters of hot-working were determined in continuous and multi-stage compression test performed in temperature range of 850 to 1100°C using the Gleeble 3800 thermomechanical simulator. Evaluation of processes controlling work-hardening were identified by microstructure observations of the specimens compresses to the various amount of deformation (4x0.29, 4x0.23 and 4x0.19). The microstructure evolution in successive stages of deformation was determined in metallographic investigations using light, scanning and electron microscopy as well as X-ray diffraction. Findings: The investigated steels are characterized by high values of flow stresses from 230 to 450 MPa. The flow stresses are much higher in comparison with austenitic Cr-Ni and Cr-Mn steels and slightly higher compared to Fe-(15-25)Mn alloys. Increase of flow stress along with decrease of compression temperature is accompanied by translation of εmax strain in the direction of higher deformation. Results of the multi-stage compression proved that applying the true strain 4x0.29 gives the possibility to refine the austenite microstructure as a result of dynamic recrystallization. In case of applying the lower deformations 4x0.23 and 4x0.19, the process controlling work hardening is dynamic recovery and a deciding influence on a gradual microstructure refinement has statical recrystallization. The steel 27Mn-4Si-2Al-Nb-Ti has austenite microstructure with annealing twins and some fraction of ε martensite plates in the initial state. After the grain refinement due to recrystallization, the steel is characterized by uniform structure of γ phase without ε martensite plates. Research limitations/implications: To determine in detail the microstructure evolution during industrial rolling, the hot-working schedule should take into account real number of passes and higher strain rates. Practical implications: The obtained microstructure - hot-working relationships can be useful in the determination of power-force parameters of hot-rolling and to design a rolling schedule for high-manganese steel sheets with fine-grained austenitic structures. Originality/value: The hot-deformation resistance and microstructure evolution in various conditions of hot-working for the new-developed high-manganese austenitic steels were investigated.