Effect of aging on the microstructure and deformation behavior of austenite base lightweight Fe–28Mn–9Al–0.8C steel

The effect of aging on the deformation behavior of austenitic Fe–28Mn–9Al–0.8C steel has been investigated. Various aging conditions were used to alter the size and volume fraction of κ-carbide precipitates. It is shown that the presence of nanosized κ-carbide precipitates, even in as-solutionized specimen, results in the formation of planar slip bands as a major deformation mode. The change in work-hardening rate with aging time is explained by the change in the activity of slip band formation with aging time.