Effect of prior hot rolling on the microstructures and mechanical properties of duplex stainless steel containing tempered martensite and ferrite

A duplex structure of δ-ferrite and lath martensite with interlath retained austenite film is developed in this study by modifying the alloy addition. The presence of δ-ferrite can further strengthen the grain refinement of austenite during hot rolling. As a result, the amount of retained austenite is enhanced. Tempered martensite embrittlement occurs due to the decomposition of retained austenite, and grain refinement can in fact ameliorate the tempered martensite embrittlement by delaying the onset of the embrittlement to a higher temperature. The combined effect of uniform and small grains as well as a large amount of retained austenite provides a further increase in the mechanical properties. After identical tempering treatments, all mechanical properties measured in the as-rolled condition were found to be higher than those of direct quenching without rolling. After hot rolling, the increase in the hardness and tensile strength was not accompanied by a drop in the ductility and toughness.