Effect of carbon at interface of austenite on manganese segregation of low carbon and manganese steel

• Carbon at interface of austenite can attract manganese atoms.
• C and Mn segregation can make the interface of austenite more stabilization.
• C and Mn segregation can improve ductility of the steel.

The effect of carbon at interface of austenite on manganese segregation was investigated. Carbon segregating at interface of retained austenite within ferrite grains can attract manganese atoms to form atomic couples C-Mn filling into vacancies. C and Mn segregation can make the interface of austenite more stabilization so that the interface cannot transform to twin martensite under 20% pre-straining. The interface can act as deformation buffer zones to make for plasticity accommodation between ferrite and twin martensite leading to improved ductility of the steel.