Achieving an extra-high-strength yet ductile steel by synergistic effects of TRIP and maraging

Abstract

A novel type of austenite–martensite dual-phase laminate steel with a yield strength of 2.2 GPa, ultimate tensile strength of 2.5 GPa, uniform elongation of 9.4% and total elongation of 12% was produced. Such unexpectable mechanical properties were mainly due to the synergistic strengthening of nanolaminate microstructure, high densities of dislocations and nanoprecipitates. The high uniform elongation at very high stress could be attributed to the strongly enhanced work hardening rate, mainly enabled by transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) of the austenite reverted by annealing, as well as the cooperative deformation and stress/strain partitioning between the austenite–martensite stacked nanolaminate.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

IMPACT STATEMENT

This work verifies an effective strategy of combining TRIP and maraging to achieve both ultrahigh strength and high ductility of steel.

KEYWORDS:

• Extra-high strength steel
• nanoprecipitation
• maraging
• TRIP effect
• mechanical properties

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Nos. 51931003 and 51871062].