A Short Review on the Effect of Cr on the fcc–hcp Phase Transition in Fe–Mn-Based Alloys

The effect of Cr on the fcc–hcp martensitic transformation in the Fe–Mn–Cr system has been discussed considering different aspects: (a) the relative phase stabilities, (b) the magnetic order of the fcc phase, (c) the structural parameters and volume change between fcc and hcp, (d) the driving force of the martensitic transformation and relevant thermodynamics quantities, (e) the thermal cycling behavior, and (f) the pseudoelastic effect. Particularly, in this work it has been found that when Cr content increases, the effect of cycling on the energy barrier decreases. This may be explained by a small volume change, which could lead to a slighter introduction of plastic deformation during thermal cycling through the martensitic transition.