Deformation-Induced Martensite–Martensite Interaction in 304 Austenite Stainless Steels Subjected to Tension

The present study aims to investigate the interaction between different martensite variants (MVs) activated in an AISI 304 austenite steel subjected to tension. Particular attention is paid to the abnormal morphologies of martensite–martensite interaction (MMI) and their possible formation mechanisms during deformation-induced martensitic transformation. The abnormal morphologies of martensite–martensite interaction (MMI) were characterized. It was revealed that MMI was accompanied by the formation of extremely incoherent interfaces. MVs can continue to grow upon impinging on each other, resulting in the morphology where one MV is crossed or totally surrounded by another. The present findings provide new insight into martensite growth behavior and variant interaction and may contribute to a better understanding of the microstructural origin of the excellent strain-hardening capability and mechanical performance of metastable austenitic steels.