Magnetic properties and α′ martensite quantification in an AISI 301LN stainless steel deformed by cold rolling

Ferromagnetic properties of cold worked AISI 304 and 304L steels have been studied by many authors. The AISI 301LN steel has lower chromium and nickel contents than AISI 304L and 0.1–0.15%N addition. This steel presents a higher work hardening rate due to its higher susceptibility to martensite formation during cold deformation. In the present work the magnetic properties (magnetization saturation, residual induction and coercive force) of cold rolled AISI 301LN steel were investigated. Different degrees of deformation were applied. The dependence of the saturation magnetization on the amount of deformation is modeled by an exponential decay law. An increase in the amount of deformation also promotes a decrease of coercive force. Heat treatments at 350 °C and 400 °C after deformation were also applied and found to increase the magnetization saturation values.