Quickly obtaining densely-dispersed coherent particles in steel matrix and its related mechanical property

The densely-distributed coherent nanoparticles (DCN) in steel matrix can enhance work-hardening ability and ductility of steel simultaneously. All the routes to this end can be generally classified into Liquid-Solid route (LSR) and Solid-Solid route (SSR). However, the formation of DCN structure in steel requires a long-time process and complex steps. So far, obtaining steel with coherent particle enhancement in a short time remains bottleneck, meanwhile some necessary steps are unavoidable. Here we show a high efficiency liquid-phase refining (LPR) process reinforced by dynamic magnetic field (DMF). The Ti-Y-Mn-O (TYMO) particles are around 3.53 ± 1.21 nm in average size, and can be obtained in just around 180 sec. These small nanoparticles are coherent with matrix, implying no accumulated dislocations between particle and steel matrix. Our findings have a potential application towards improving material machining capacity, creep resistance and radiation resistance.