Strength of “Light” Ferritic and Austenitic Steels Based on the Fe – Mn – Al – C System

The phase composition, the hardness, the mechanical properties at room temperature, and the resistance to hot (950 – 1000°C) and warm (550°C) deformation are studied for cast deformable “light” ferritic and austenitic steels of the Fe – (12 – 25)% Mn – (0 – 15)% Al – (0 – 2)% C system alloyed additionally with about 5% Ni. The high-aluminum high-manganese low-carbon and carbonless ferritic steels at a temperature of about 0.5Tmelt have a specific strength close to that of the austenitic steels and may be used as weldable scale-resistant and wear-resistant materials. The high-carbon Fe – (20 – 24)% Mn – (5 – 9)% Al – 5% Ni – 1.5% C austenitic steels may be applied as light high-strength materials operating at cryogenic temperatures after a solution treatment and as scale- and heat-resistant materials in an aged condition.