Influence of nickel on microstructure and mechanical properties of medium-manganese steels

Abstract

To combine the advantage of density reduction and excellent performance, nanometer-sized B2 particles were introduced into the δ ferrite matrix of high-aluminium low-density steel by the addition of nickel (Fe–0.2C–11Mn–6Al–4/8Ni). Compared to Fe–0.2C–11Mn–6Al (0Ni) steel, the hardness and tensile strength of 4Ni and 8Ni steels are significantly improved. The improvement of tensile strength in 4Ni and 8Ni steels was primarily contributed by the precipitation strengthening or solution strengthening of B2 particles in δ ferrite. At the higher annealing temperature, the original dislocation density in δ ferrite is lower. However, dislocation multiplication during tensile deformation was more significant in the sample annealed at higher temperature, which was responsible for a higher work hardening rate.