Microstructural Evolution of Surface Layer of TWIP Steel Deformed by Mechanical Attrition Treatment

A nanocrystalline layer was synthesized on the surface of TWIP steel samples by surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) under varying durations. Microhardness variation was examined along the depth of the deformation layer. Microstructural characteristics of the surface at the TWIP steel SMATed for 90 min were observed and analyzed by optical microscope, X-ray diffraction, transmission and high-resolution electron microscope. The results show that the orientation of austenite grains weakens, and α-martensite transformation occurs during SMAT. During the process of SMAT, the deformation twins generate and divide the austenite grains firstly; then α-martensite transformation occurs beside and between the twin bundles; after that the martensite and austenite grains rotate to accommodate deformation, and the orientations of martensite and between martensite and residual austenite increase; lastly the randomly oriented and uniform-sized nanocrystalline layers are formed under continuous deformation.