Microstructure and texture evolution of cold-rolled low-Ni Cr-Mn-N austenitic stainless steel during bending

Microstructure and texture evolution of a low-Ni Cr-Mn-N austenitic stainless steel were analysed during three- point bending process. The electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD) was used to characterise the microstructural evolution with respect to two regions encompassing (I) near the inner corner and (II) near the outer corner. The fraction of deformation-induced martensite of either types (epsilon- and alpha'-martensite) was analysed in both regions. The region (I) possessed a considerably higher fraction of epsilon-martensite than that in the region (II). In the region (II), the fraction of austenite 60 degrees/< 111 > twins was increased. Moreover, in the region (I), the {10 (1) over bar2}<(1) over bar 011 > extension twinning was depicted in e-martensite. The mean kernel average misorientation of epsilon-martensite experienced a trivial change with increasing bending angle after reaching to a saturation point. Upon bending, texture measurements of austenite returned the ac-fibre orientations with the dominant Brass component. However, a decrease in the Cube and S texture components was identified. The epsilon-martensite texture revealed strong intensities along the fhkilge-fibre. Besides, the alpha'-martensite developed (001)[0 (1) over bar0](alpha') and (001)[001](alpha') orientations with a trace of (113)[4 (7) over bar1](alpha') orientation. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

The microstructure and texture evolution of a low-Ni Cr-Mn-N austenitic stainless steel during a three-point bending process were analyzed, revealing differences in deformation-induced martensite fraction and texture between different regions.ε-Martensite and α'-martensite were observed in varying proportions between the two regions, leading to changes in texture and twin boundaries.