Developments in austenitic steels containing manganese

Abstract

Two broad categories of austenitic steels are considered in this review: (a) alloys based on the Fe–Mn–C system, typified by austenitic wear resistant (Hadfield) steels and (b) alloys based on the Fe–Mn–Cr system, typified by austenitic corrosion resistant steels. Advances made in recent years in understanding and improving the relevant properties and manufacturing methods of these steels are critically appraised. The development of austenitic manganese bearing high technology steels for fusion reactor and other non-magnetic applications, as well as those that can be used in cryogenic structures, is also considered.