The effect of compressive deformation of austenite on the bainitic ferrite transformation in FeMnSiC steels

The influence of different amounts (10, 20, and 40%) of compressive deformation of austenite on the subsequent isothermal transformation of bainite has been investigated in FeMnSiC alloy steels. The overall transformation kinetics became slower and the final attained amount of bainite decreased in deformed austenite after the isothermal transformation was completed. The prior deformation of austenite had a strong impact on the bainitic transformation, because it created defects which hinder the growth of bainite and resulted in finer microstructure. If the recovery of deformed austenite occurred, the effect of mechanical stabilization of austenite would be mitigated. These results emphasized that the accumulated strain in austenite matrix retarded significantly the growth of bainite.