Critical Dynamic Recrystallization Model and Nucleation Mechanisms of an Alumina-Forming Austenitic Stainless Steel during Hot Deformation

The hot deformation behavior of an alumina-forming austenitic (AFA) stainless steel was investigated on a Gleeble-3500 simulator. Moreover, the critical dynamic recrystallization model was established, and the critical stress was determined. Microstructural characterization was analyzed using electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The microstructure evolution showed that the degree of dynamic recrystallization (DRX) and the content of high-angle grain boundaries increased significantly with the increasing temperature and the decreasing strain rate. For recrystallization mechanisms, the bulging mechanism was found dominating, while the sub-grain rotation mechanism played an assisting role. Furthermore, discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (DDRX) and continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) coexisted during the hot deformation.