Effect of Aluminum Addition on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of High Manganese Austenitic Steel Fe-18Mn-0.6C

In this research, the effect of 2.3 wt.% aluminum addition on the microstructure and tensile properties of high manganese austenitic steel Fe-18Mn-0.6C was studied. For this purpose, the samples were investment cast, homogenized and hot rolled. Tensile testing was carried out at ambient temperature. Microstructural investigations and fractography on the steel samples were carried out using an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope. The results showed that the aluminum addition increases the austenite grain size. In addition, 2.3 wt.% aluminum addition increases the yield strength and plastic strain, decreases the ultimate tensile strength and eliminates the serrated flow during plastic deformation.