Microstructural features controlling the deformation and recrystallization behaviour Fe–30%Mn and Fe–30%Mn–0.5%C

The deformation and recrystallization behaviour of Fe–30%Mn and Fe–30%Mn–0.5%C were investigated with special emphasis on the effect of carbon on the microstructure evolution. In the carbon-free alloy, epsilon martensite and to a lesser extent mechanical twinning are observed at large strains. By contrast, only mechanical twinning is observed in the carbon containing alloy. The transformation products (epsilon martensite, twins) exhibited very high thermal stability and were present in the non-recrystallized region of the microstructure even at high temperatures.