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SPD deformation of pearlitic, bainitic and martensitic steels

The deformation behavior of nearly fully pearlitic, bainitic and martensitic steels during severe plastic deformation is summarized in this paper. Despite their significantly different yield stresses and their microstructures, their hardening behavior during SPD is similar. Due to the enormous hardening capacity the SPD deformation is limited by the strength of the tool materials. The microstructure at the obtainable limit of strain are quite similar, which is a nanocrystalline structure in the order of 10 nm, dependent on the obtainable strain. The nanograins are partially supersaturated with carbon and the grain boundaries are stabilized by carbon. Another characteristic feature is the anisotropy in grain shape which results in an anisotropy of strength, ductility and fracture toughness. The results are important for the development of ultra-strong materials and essential for this type of steels which are frequently used for application where the behavior under rolling contact and sliding contact is important.