Influence of Al on Microstructure and Mechanical Behavior of Cr-Containing Transformation-Induced Plasticity Steel

Abstract

Chromium in transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) steel is known to have a detrimental effect on the mechanical properties by increasing the hardenability of austenite introduced during intercritical heat treatment. In this study, it is suggested that an Al addition can counterbalance the effect of Cr by encouraging ferrite formation during fast cooling and austempering. This contributes to securing the thermal stability of austenite and to retrieving the excellent mechanical properties of TRIP steel even with the addition of Cr.