| Abstract | This study systematically examines the impact of nickel additions in Fe-Mn-Al-C steels, specifically the Fe-17Mn-7.5Al-0.8C-xNi family with x = 1.5, 3, and 6 wt%, and the influence of annealing temperature following hot-rolling on the microstructure and mechanical properties. Utilizing Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), the microstructural evolution was thoroughly characterized. The presence of austenite and B2-(Fe,Ni)Al phases was confirmed by XRD and MS, while EBSD analysis identified twinning as one of the plastic deformation mechanisms. These factors contribute to the observed high strain hardening rates and the remarkable combination of ultra-high strength and ductility in these steels. This research opens new avenues for developing tailored processing routes and heat treatments to achieve exceptional mechanical properties in a new generation of high-strength, lightweight steels. |
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