On the Factors Governing Austenite Stability: Intrinsic versus Extrinsic

In this review, we separate the different governing factors on austenite stability into intrinsic and extrinsic factors, depending on the domain defined by austenite grain boundaries. The different measuring techniques on the effectiveness of the governing factors in affecting the austenite stability are discussed. On the basis of the austenite stability, a new alloy design strategy that involves the competition between the intrinsic and extrinsic factors to control the transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) effect to realize the stronger the more ductile steel is proposed. The present review may provide new insights into the development of novel thermal-mechanical processing to advance the mechanical properties of steels for industrial applications.