Deformation-induced transformation textures in metastable austenitic stainless steel

Evolution of texture in metastable austenitic stainless steels under subzero rolling and cold rolling conditions is studied. The magnitude of strain-induced α′-martensite phase formed under subzero and subsequent cold rolling condition found to be larger than only cold rolling under same amount of deformation. Under both rolling conditions α′-martensite phase developed similar texture. On the other hand, the reverted austenite phase produced by ageing treatment has attained its parent cold rolling texture in the case of specimens which are only cold rolled. The corresponding reverted austenite phase from subzero and cold rolled specimen has indicated four major texture components which are typical of fcc metals and alloys. The reversion of α′-martensite observed in this study may be athermal in nature.