Effect of Warm Rolling and Annealing on Microstructure, Texture, and Mechanical Properties of a 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel

The effect of warm rolling and annealing processes on the microstructure, microtexture, and mechanical properties of a 2205 duplex stainless steel is investigated in this work. To evaluate the microstructure, scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron backscatter diffraction are used as the main techniques. The mechanical properties are assessed through tensile tests. A transition from a bamboo type into a pearl structure is observed as the thickness reduction increases. Furthermore, the ferrite phase presents a weakening of the α‐fiber ( //rolling direction, RD) and a development of γ‐fiber ( //normal direction, ND), whereas the austenite has a reduction in the intensity of the {110} brass component and a strengthening of the {110} Goss and {112} copper components. Multistage work hardening behavior is observed by Jaoul–Crussard analysis, which indicates the presence of secondary deformation mechanisms during the plastic deformation of the steel. Post‐deformation SEM and TEM results reveal the formation of α′ and ε‐martensite at deformed regions. The orientation relationship that develops between γ‐ and ε‐martensite is Shoji–Nishiyama (S–N) γ// ε. Warm rolling and annealing of a 2205 duplex stainless steel result in a transition from a bamboo‐type into a pearl structure. Ferrite presents a weakening of the α‐fiber and a development of γ‐fiber. The austenite has a reduction of brass and a strengthening of Goss and copper. The orientation relationship that develops between γ‐ and ε‐martensite is Shoji–Nishiyama γ// ε.