High-density low-angle grain boundaries enable exceptional combination of strength, ductility and toughness in 304 stainless steel

doi:10.1016/j.jmst.2025.02.070

Abstract

Abstract: Practical methodologies for enhancing the strength, ductility, and toughness of structural metals remain a significant challenge. In this study, we propose a low-angle grain boundary (LAGB) engineering protocol that utilizes a continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) mechanism during warm deformation, specifically applied to 304 austenitic stainless steel (ASS). We demonstrate for the first time that the high density of LAGBs contributes approximately 212 MPa to the yield strength of 304 ASS. Furthermore, the introduction of LAGBs enhances the stability of austenite due to its high mobility and interface stability, which delays the transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) effect, resulting in increased tensile elongation and toughness.

Key words: Low-angle grain boundary, Austenitic stainless steel, TRIP effect, Strength, Toughness

Kuanyuan Fan, Baoxi Liu, Fuxing Yin, Jiazhen He, Binbin He, Zhichao Luo. High-density low-angle grain boundaries enable exceptional combination of strength, ductility and toughness in 304 stainless steel[J]. J. Mater. Sci. Technol., 2025, 238: 191-198.

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