Executive Summary : | The demand for high-performance high manganese steel is increasing, with a Mn content of 5 to 27% being widely used in various industries due to its high strength, wear resistance, low temperature toughness, non-magnetic, and damping properties. However, the properties produced by industrial establishments are smaller than expected by end users. To achieve high wear and impact resistance, superior work hardening characteristics are needed, which can be achieved by reducing grain size and avoiding carbide precipitation. Grain size can be varied by introducing grain refiners and tailoring process conditions.
Traditionally, thermomechanical processing has been used to achieve fine grained structures for optimum strength and toughness. However, non-metallic inclusions like oxides, carbides, sulphides, or nitrides have been found to have a profound influence on grain size reduction. The proposed proposal is to develop a cerium-based composite grain refiner in the laboratory through powder metallurgy, acting as an effective nucleating agent in melting and solidification conditions. The grain size and properties achieved will be compared with the steel processed through the conventional route. The main challenge to achieving a homogeneous distribution of the fabricated grain refiner will be addressed through a simulaton process of stirring and optimized heat treatment cycle. |