Influence of nitrogen on kinetics of dynamic recrystallization in Fe-Cr-Ni-Mo steel

This work elucidates the effect of nitrogen content on the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behaviour of a Fe-Cr-Ni-Mo alloy (316LN stainless steel (SS)). The investigation has been carried out using hot isothermal compression tests in the temperature range: 1123-1423 K at strain rates 0.001-10s−1. Avrami analysis has been used to understand the influence of nitrogen content on DRX kinetics of 316LN SS. Gradual enhancement of nitrogen content in 316LN SS intensifies the work hardening in the material. Critical strain required for the nucleation of DRX grains is achieved early as a result of increase in nitrogen content in the steel. Texture in the steel is also influenced by the nitrogen content and it has also been discussed. It is found that increase in nitrogen content in the steel weakens the deformation texture at low temperatures as it promotes early nucleation. It also weakens the recrystallization texture at high temperatures as grain growth is inhibited due to restriction from neighboring DRX grains.