Effect of annealing process on microstructure and mechanical properties of high manganeses austenitic TWIP steel

In the present study, the influence of annealing temperature on mechanical properties and the microstructure of a high manganese austenitic steel (Fe-30Mn-4Al-4Si-0.5C) was investigated. X-ray diffractometry, optical and scanning electron microscopy, hardness and tensile tests were used to analyze the relationship between mechanical properties and microstructure after annealing process. The results indicated an optimum combination of strength and elongation under the condition of high cold rolling reduction with subsequent annealing in the partial recrystallization region.