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This study examines the microstructure, phase composition, and mechanical properties of a lightweight Fe-Mn-Al-C steel alloy containing Cr, Si, and Cu that was processed through electroslag remelting. The alloy was synthesized through induction melting, followed by electroslag remelting. This process resulted in a uniform structure with a lower inclusion content. Detailed investigations using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, and local chemical analysis revealed that the as-cast steel has a dendritic morphology and a two-phase system consisting of α-Fe and κ-carbides (Fe, Mn)₃AlC. The carbide precipitates were identified as both eutectic lamellae in the interdendritic regions and rounded particles at the dendrite boundaries. These particles are enriched in Al, Mn, and Cr and contribute to grain-boundary strengthening. Mechanical testing revealed that the alloy has an average microhardness of 4.66 GPa, surpassing that of the base Fe-Mn-Al-C composition. These results demonstrate the significant impact of adding Cr, Si, and Cu on improving the phase stability and mechanical performance of electroslag-remelted, lightweight, high-manganese steels, suggesting their potential for advanced structural applications.
Keywords: Fe–Mn–Al–C steel; low-density steel; electroslag remelting; microstructure; κ-carbides; phase composition; microhardness, wear resistance.© This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.