The Role of Hot Deformation Texture on Dynamic Transformation of Austenite to Ferrite in a 9%Cr Alloy Steel

The dynamic transformation of austenite to ferrite occurs in various steels and has technological implications for grain refinement. Despite significant research, ambiguities persist about the nature of this transformation, its driving force, and the influencing parameters. In the current work, these outstanding issues are addressed through a study of hot deformation textures associated with the dynamic transformation in a 9%Cr alloy steel. It is found that hot deformation textures of the parent and daughter phases contain crucial information about the nature of the transformation, and it is shown that the dynamic transformation is driven by stress rather than strain. Further, it bears signs of displacive rather than diffusional transformation and can be controlled through strain rate.