Strong Yet Ductile Medium Mn Steel Developed by Partial Austenitization

The present work proposes a new industry-friendly approach for developing lightweight yet high-performance medium Mn steel by partial austenitization. The medium Mn steel subjected to partial austenitization exhibits remarkably refined microstructure. Particularly, the retained austenite has heterogeneous microstructure in various sizes and morphologies. Such multi-scale austenite yields a sustainable TRIP effect during deformation, achieving a superior strength-ductility combination up to 60 GPa pct.

Automated summary

This study proposes a new industry-friendly approach to develop lightweight yet high-performance medium Mn steel through partial austenitization. The medium Mn steel with partial austenitization exhibits a refined microstructure, particularly with heterogeneous microstructure of retained austenite in different sizes and morphologies. This multi-scale austenite enables a sustainable TRIP effect during deformation, achieving a superior strength-ductility combination up to 60 GPa.