The temperature dependence of tensile elongation in austenitic steels is discussed in view of the relationship between the stacking fault energy and deformation-induced processes. It is shown that the maximum tensile elongation is achieved in the vicinity of Mdγ → α′ temperature. The influence of alloying elements on the temperature dependence of tensile elongation can therefore be analyzed with regard to their influence on the Mdγ → α′ temperature. In this regard, majority of alloying elements including C and N decrease the temperature associated with highest tensile elongation. Due to the high efficiency of C and N in increasing the stability of austenite, approaches toward the development of high-interstitial austenitic stainless steels containing minimal amounts of substitutional alloying elements are discussed. Finally, some of the challenges associated with the processing of high-interstitial austenitic stainless steels are reviewed.
Part of the book: Austenitic Stainless Steels