Influence of Al, Cu and Ni Additions on Mechanical Properties of Hot-Rolled Fe-9Mn-0.2C Medium-Manganese Steels

The microstructure and mechanical properties of hot-rolled Fe-9Mn-0.2C medium-manganese steels with different Al, Cu, and Ni contents were investigated in this study. Based on the SEM, XRD, and EBSD analysis results, the microstructure was composed of martensite, band-type delta ferrite, and retained austenite phases depending on the Al, Cu, and Ni additions. The tensile and Charpy impact test results showed that the sole addition of Al reduced significantly impact toughness by the presence of delta-ferrite and the decrease of austenite stability although it increased yield strength. However, the combined addition of Al and Cu or Ni provided the best combination of high yield strength and good impact toughness because of solid solution strengthening and increased austenite stability.