Recrystallization of Ferrite and Austenite

A combination of recrystallization controlled processing, optimization of steel chemical composition is leading the way for achieving fine-grained and ultrafine-grained steels. These steels have desired combination of most sought-after properties such as ultra high strength, high toughness, good formability, and weldability at a reasonable cost. An understanding of recrystallization of ferrite and austenite is thus of crucial importance as these phases undergo thermomechanical processing (TMP) of steel. As steel is deformed at high temperature internal stresses of deformation are relieved through several competing softening (restoration) processes. This article summarizes the concepts involved, and the kinetics, characteristics, and industrial applications of recrystallization as it occurs in ferrite and austenite as a function of complex combinations of several of these factors.