Effect of carbide precipitation on the twin behavior and work hardening capability of Fe-20Mn-2Al-0.4C-0.7V steel

This study investigates carbide effects on twinning and work hardening in Fe-20Mn-2Al-0.7V-0.4C TWIP steel. During the initial deformation stage, the increased carbide precipitation significantly enhances the work hardening rate. This elevated work hardening capability facilitates the attainment of the critical stress required for twinning behavior, thereby initiating the motion of stacking faults. Carbides act as obstacles to the propagation of stacking faults, which directly impacts the formation and evolution of deformation twins. As plastic deformation progresses, partial carbides are sheared by stacking faults. This shearing process reduces the resistance for subsequent stacking faults to cut through these carbides, ultimately triggering pronounced work softening. The synergistic effects of these mechanisms lead to a rapid decline in the overall work hardening rate of the steel.