Structural changes of ferritic stainless steel during severe plastic deformation

The mechanical properties and structural evolution of ferritic stainless steel (0.13%C, 25%Cr, 0.9%Ti, Fe-balance) during severe plastic deformation at ambient temperature have been studied. The effect of strain on the character of structural changes has been investigated. It has been found that after large strain dynamic recrystallization occurs in the material with an initially coarse-grained structure. The dynamic recrystallization mechanisms are considered. It has been revealed that both the grain size and the hardening effect are strain dependent. With increasing strain the grain size decreases while the microhardness increases.