Structure, Phase Composition, and Mechanical Properties of a Boron-Containing High-Nitrogen Austenitic Steel Made by Induction Melting

The structure and the mechanical properties of a cast high-nitrogen austenitic steel are studied after hot and cold deformation. The as-cast steel contains the FeCrB and BN phases. During hot deformation, the B 13 N 13 C 74 phase forms. This phase has a layered structure and is easily deformed during hot or cold rolling. The existence of the B 13 N 13 C 74 phase only slightly changes the strength and the ductility, but it substantially decreases the impact toughness of the steel as compared to that of similar boron-free Cr–Mn–Ni high-nitrogen austenitic steels.