Exploring performance limits of a new martensitic high strength steel by ausforming via equal channel angular pressing

Strength and toughness limits of a newly developed low alloy martensitic steel are explored using impact toughness experiments and room temperature tensile testing. These steel samples are subjected to either a selected heat treatment, to obtain tempered martensite, or equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) performed between 950 degrees C and 1050 degrees C, to refine prior austenite grains. Martensite refinement through ECAP led to a significantly enhanced mechanical response, resulting in impact toughness above 55J at -40 degrees C and ultimate tensile strengths above 2 GPa at room temperature. Consequently, this new low alloy steel can be an excellent candidate for high specific strength transportation applications. (C) 2020 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.