Effect of pre-straining and bake hardening on the microstructure of thermomechanically processed CMnSi TRIP steels with and without Nb and Mo additions

Transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography revealed a significant increase in the number density of Nb–Mo–Fe–C clusters and fine particles after 4% pre-straining and bake hardening of transformation-induced plasticity steel alloyed with Nb and Mo. Cottrell atmospheres were detected in the non-alloyed CMnSi steel both before and after pre-straining and bake hardening.