Enhancing the mechanical properties of low-carbon steel by a graded dislocation microstructure

In the present paper, the microstructures and mechanical properties of a low-carbon steel processed by graded pre-torsion (PTO) and homogeneous pre-tension (PTE), respectively, have been investigated. Experimental results demonstrate that both PTO and PTE can improve the strength of the low-carbon steel, but at a loss of ductility and toughness. However, a much better strength-ductility-toughness synergy is achieved in samples processed by graded PTO than that in samples subjected to PTE. This enhancement of comprehensive mechanical properties is due to the formation of a graded microstructure, that is, the dislocation-density increases gradually with decreasing the depth from the sample surface. This study provides a strategy for enhancing the mechanical properties of metallic materials by graded plastic deformation.