MECHANICAL STABILIZATION OF AUSTENITE AGAINST BAINITIC REACTION IN FE-MN-SI-C BAINITIC STEEL

The influence of different amounts (5, 10, 20, 40%) of compressive def ormation of austenite on the subsequent isothermal transformation of b ainite has been investigated in a Fe-Mn-Si-C alloy steel. The results show that the prior deformation of austenite retards significantly the bainitic transformation. At the same isothermal transformation temper ature, as the amount of prior deformation is higher, the quantity of b ainite (which can be obtained after the isothermal transformation is c ompleted) becomes less and it is also more difficult to develop the cl assical sheaf-like structure. The experiments reported here manifest t hat severe deformation causes mechanical stabilization of austenite ag ainst bainitic transformation.