Chemical composition optimization for austenitic steels of the Fe-Mn-Al-C system

Alloys of the FeMnAlC system have been developed for different uses, from cryogenic temperatures up to 673 K, with specific composition recommended for each specific application. More recently, the possibility of adopting alloys of this system for structural purposes has attracted considerable attention. However, the absence of systematic criteria in the design of such compositions imposes severe restrictions on practical uses of these alloys. In this paper, we define composition limits in order to obtain an optimum microstructural state, characterized by the absence of embrittling components, and more restricted limits to obtain acceptable properties for structural applications, based on minimum values for ultimate tensile strength and impact toughness.