EFFECT OF ALLOYING ELEMENTS AND THERMO-MECHANICAL PROCESSING ON THE PROPERTIES OF TRIP STEEL

Abstract

TRIP - Transformation Induced Plasticity Steel is an innovative advanced high strength steel that is distinguished by its high strength accompanied by superior ductility. The standard chemical composition consists of C, Mn, and Si. The presence of these elements leads to a soft ferritic/bainitic matrix with fractions of metastable retained austenite (RA). The presence of RA are essential to achieve the preferred properties. The effect of high Mn content on TRIP steel is studied in this research to provide much stability to the RA at room temperature. In addition, an approach of complete replacement of Si by Al in the presence of V as a micro-alloying element has been adopted in this study to enhance the galvanizability of TRIP steel. Showcased results proved that as long as manganese content increases, the characteristics of TRIP steel exhibit a considerable improvement. On top of that, results promoted future potential of Al and V as an substituent to current Si- based TRIP steel. At the meantime, Al and V has an efficient role on portioning carbon content in RA at the isothermal bainitic transformation condition, boosting up the stability of RA to accommodate much stress at the plastic deformation.