Microstructural Changes in a High-Manganese Austenitic Fe-Mn-Al-C Steel

Microstructural changes in the age-hardenable Fe-28wt.%Mn-9wt.%Al-1wt.%C steel during ageing at 550°C for various times have been investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The steel was produced in an induction furnace and the ingot, after homogenization at 1150°C for 3 hours under a protective argon atmosphere, was hot-rolled and subsequently cold-rolled up to 23% reduction. The sheet was then aged at 550°C for various times in an argon atmosphere and cooled in air. XRD analysis and TEM observations revealed a modulated structure and superlattice reflections produced by spinodal decomposition, which occurred during ageing at 550°C. Theexistence of satellites suggests that either (Fe, Mn)3AlCx carbides were formed within the austenite matrix by spinodal decomposition during cooling or chemical fluctuactions occurred between the (Fe, Mn)3AlCx carbides and the austenitic matrix.