Mechanical Stabilization of Austenite against Bainitic Reaction in Fe–Mn–Si–C Bainitic Steel

Abstract

The influence of different amounts (5, 10, 20, 40%) of compressive deformation of austenite on the subsequent isothermal transformation of bainite has been investigated in a Fe–Mn–Si–C alloy steel. The results show that the prior deformation of austenite retards significantly the bainitic transformation. At the same isothermal transformation temperature, as the amount of prior deformation is higher, the quantity of bainite (which can be obtained after the isothermal transformation is completed) becomes less and it is also more difficult to develop the classical sheaf-like structure. The experiments reported here manifest that severe deformation causes mechanical stabilization of austenite against bainitic transformation.