Processing, microstructure and mechanical properties of high manganese steels

The aim of the present contribution is to review the structure/property relationship of high manganese steels with respect to their micro-structure, processing and mechanical properties. The paper reviews their different alloying concepts and strengthening mechanisms. Depending on the composition, different possible strengthening mechanisms, such as twinning induced plasticity and strain-induced transformation, may be involved during plastic deformation at room temperature and can beneficially contribute to the mechanical properties. High manganese steels offer a high ductility and high strain hardening, which makes them ideally suited for cold forming applications. The processing of high manganese steels is of critical importance in order to achieve superior service in use properties. During primary and secondary metallurgy, specific strategies are often employed to avoid the inclusions and cementite precipitations at grain boundaries in order to improve the microstructure and material properties.