Effect of Severe Cold or Warm Deformation on Microstructure Evolution and Tensile Behavior of a 316L Stainless Steel

The deformation microstructures and mechanical properties of a 316L austenitic stainless steel subjected to large strain cold or warm plate rolling are studied. The cold or warm rolling was carried out at room temperature or 573 K, respectively, to different total true strains up to 3. The structural changes are characterized by the development of nanocrystalline structures with the transverse grain size of about 80 or 160 nm at room temperature or 573 K, respectively. The evolution of nanocrystalline structure under cold working conditions (room temperature) is assisted by the development of mechanical twinning and partial martensitic transformation that result in rapid grain refinement. The development of nanocrystalline structures during cold/warm working is accompanied by significant strengthening. The yield strength approaches 1 680 or 1 070 MPa after cold or warm rolling to a total strain of 3, respectively.