Control Thermomechanical Processing via Synergetic Effect of Strength-Ductility of Advanced Steels

Abstract

This study investigates the role of grain boundary engineering (GBE) in improving the mechanical performance of advanced high-strength steels. Through controlled thermomechanical processing, a tailored grain boundary network is achieved, optimizing the balance between strength and ductility. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) reveal the formation of low-energy boundaries that suppress crack propagation. Mechanical testing demonstrates up to a 25% improvement in elongation without compromising yield strength. These findings highlight GBE as a viable route for developing next-generation structural alloys with superior performance.