Effect of superplastic deformation on the microstructure and orientation of austenite in 3207 duplex stainless steel.

Due to attractive strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance, duplex stainless steels (DSS) are widely used in various applications. The current study performs a systematic investigation on the microstructure and orientation of austenite in DSS during superplastic deformation. Results show that austenite grains became uniform, equiaxed, coarse, and some were elongated. The superplastic deformation could weaken textures in Gauss {011}<100>, Brass {011}<211> and Copper {211}<111> orientations. Dynamic recovery followed by continuous dynamic recrystallization occurred in austenite during superplastic deformation. Concentrated strain in softer ferrite phase leads to a slightly lower dislocation density in austenite. This paper provides new insight into the deformation mechanism of the austenite matrix during hot deformation in duplex stainless steels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]