Role of grain boundary ferrite layer in dynamic recrystallization of semi-solid processed type 304L austenitic stainless steel

A semi-solid processed steel with well arranged delta-ferrite layer around the austenite-solid globules is found to show different dynamic recrystallization (DRX) pattern compared to its conventionally processed counterpart with ferrite stringers across the austenite grains. Analysis of experimental results indicates that the presence of delta-ferrite layer around austenite-globules delays the nucleation of new DRX grains. On the other hand, with increase in temperature, the delta-ferrite layer contributes to increase in DRX fraction by restricting the grain growth of the austenite matrix prior to deformation. •Study of semi-solid processed type 304L austenitic stainless steel•Comparison with conventional steel with ferrite stringers across the austenite grains.•Understand role of grain boundary ferrite layer in dynamic recrystallization pattern•Presence of delta-ferrite layer around austenite-globules delays DRX grain nucleation.