Slip band interactions and GND latent hardening in a galling resistant stainless steel

Slip activation, slip band interactions, and GND densities in iron-base, galling resistant alloy Nitronic 60 have been characterised at the grain length scale using small-scale mechanical testing with high resolution digital image correlation and high-angular resolution electron backscatter diffraction. By correlating the two measurement techniques, new insight into slip band interactions, the generation of lattice curvature and the corresponding accumulation of geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs) is provided. Multiple discrete slip bands are typically active within single grains, resulting in significant slip band interactions. Crossing slip bands were found to generate accumulations of GNDs. Regions where slip bands block other slip bands were associated with the highest GND densities, in excess of three time the densities of crossing slip bands. Representative crystal plasticity modelling investigations have demonstrated that discrete slip blocking events are responsible for locally elevated GND density. This behaviour is rationalised in terms of lattice curvature associated with the differing levels of constraint provided by the crossing or blocking-type behaviours. Ferrite grains are also found to contribute to the generation of GNDs. Together, these two effects provide significant work hardening mechanisms, likely to be key to the development of future iron-base hard facing alloys. •Multiple slip systems are typically activated in Nitronic 60.•Increasing slip band interaction results in increased levels of lattice curvature and GND density.•Blocking slip bands result in the highest GND densities, with crossing slip bands resulting in intermediate GND densities.•GND accumulation adjacent to ferrite stringers and slip band interaction are the hardening mechanisms in Nitronic 60.•Crystal plasticity assessment confirms slip band blocking key to localised GND generation.