Exploring the Strengthening Effect of Carbide Precipitation in Fe-18Mn-2Cr-1C-4Al(wt.%) Lightweight Steel

The Fe-18.4Mn-2.1Cr-1.3C-4Al (wt.%) steel was designed for lightweight application purpose with comprehensive advantages of low density, wear resistance, and high strength. Further exploring of the mechanical properties, especially the yield strength influenced by the aging treatments (300 °C and 500 °C), needs more investigation. The precipitated carbides observations and tensile tests, after specific solution and aging treatments, were carried out to reveal that the Fe(Mn) 3 C carbide precipitation contributed up to 111 MPa strengthening effect on yield strength with 300 °C aging heat treatment. The present study pointed out that tailor-made solution and aging treatments processes to achieving further strength improvement, especially for yield stress.