Extraordinary ductility in Al-bearing delta-TRIP steel

Abstract

An iron-based alloy system has been developed that exhibits impressive combinations of tensile strength and elongation that are not available with current steels used in the manufacture of automobiles. Furthermore, the heat treatments required to achieve these properties are consistent with practical production processes. The alloys rely on significant concentrations of ferrite-stabilizing solutes so that delta-ferrite which forms during solidification is retained in the microstructure.