Effect of Niobium on Static Recrystallization Characteristics of TWIP Steels

In this study, the constitutive flow behavior and static recrystallization characteristics of a Nb-microalloyed TWIP (Fe-20Mn-1.5Al-0.1Nb) steel under hot deformation conditions have been determined and results compared with those of Fe-25Mn-Al TWIP steels. Investigations using compression testing in a Gleeble simulator, including the double-hit technique, enabled the acquisition of flow stress and recrystallization data. These were analyzed to determine the powers of strain and strain rate as well as the activation energies of deformation and recrystallization (Qdef and Qrex). For given deformation and grain size parameters, the time for 50% recrystallization (t50) of the 0.1% Nb TWIP steel was significantly longer than for the Nb-free TWIP steel: it was comparable to that of Nb-microalloyed carbon steel. Qrex was higher than that of Type 304 stainless steel that has nevertheless much longer t50 times.