© Copyright by International OCSCO World Press. All rights reserved. 2010 Research paper 25 VOLUME 40 ISSUE 1 May 2010 of Achievements in Materials and Manufacturing Engineering of Achievements in Materials and Manufacturing Engineering Microstructure forming processes of the 26Mn-3Si-3Al-Nb-Ti steel during hot-working conditions L.A. Dobrzański*, W. Borek Division of Materials Processing Technology, Management and Computer Techniques in Materials Science, Institute of Engineering Materials and Biomaterials, Silesian University of Technology, ul. Konarskiego 18a, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland * Corresponding author: E-mail address: leszek.dobrzanski@polsl.pl Received 11.02.2010; published in revised form 01.05.2010 Properties ABSTRACT Purpose: The influence of hot-working conditions on microstructure evolution of new-developed 26Mn-3Si- 3Al-Nb-Ti high-manganese steel was investigated. Design/methodology/approach: The force-energetic parameters of hot-working were determined in continuous and multi-stage compression test performed in temperature range of 850 to 1100°C using the Gleeble 3800 thermomechanical simulator. Evaluation of processes controlling work-hardening were identified by microstructure observations of the specimens compresses to the various amount of deformation (4x0.29, 4x0.23 and 4x0.19). Findings: The investigated steel is characterized by high values of flow stresses from 250 to 430 MPa. Increase of flow stress along with decrease of compression temperature is accompanied by translation of ε max strain in the direction of higher deformation. Results of the multi-stage compression proved that applying the true strain 4x0.29 gives the possibility to refine the austenite microstructure as a result of dynamic recrystallization. In case of applying the lower deformations 4x0.23 and 4x0.19, the process controlling work hardening is dynamic recovery and a deciding influence on a gradual microstructure refinement has statical recrystallization. Research limitations/implications: To determine in detail the microstructure evolution during industrial rolling, the hot-working schedule should take into account real number of passes and higher strain rates. Practical implications: The obtained microstructure – hot-working relationships can be useful in the determination of power-force parameters of hot-rolling and to design a rolling schedule for high-manganese steel sheets with fine-grained austenitic structures. Originality/value: The hot-deformation resistance and microstructure evolution in various conditions of hot-working for the new-developed high-manganese 26Mn-3Si-3Al-Nb-Ti austenitic steel were investigated. Keywords: High-manganese steel; Thermo-mechanical processing; Compression test; Recrystallization; Grain refinement Reference to this paper should be given in the following way: L.A. Dobrzański, W. Borek, Microstructure forming processes of the 26Mn-3Si-3Al-Nb-Ti steel during hot- working conditions, Journal of Achievements in Materials and Manufacturing Engineering 40/1 (2010) 25-32.