Strategies to Enhance the Yield Strength of Medium Mn Steels: The Role of Microalloying Elements

Medium Mn steels, a critical structural material in third‐generation advanced steels, have gained significant research interest due to their exceptional balance between reduced cost and optimal mechanical properties. Nevertheless, the relatively low yield strength of medium Mn steels remains a challenge for their practical application in ultrahigh strength structural components. This review examines recent advances in enhancing the yield strength of medium Mn steels, particularly emphasizing the role of microalloying elements. The deformation behavior and strengthening mechanisms are discussed in light of the effects exerted by nanoscale precipitates on the microstructure evolution and austenite stability. When coupled with advanced heat treatment routes such as intercritical annealing, quenching and partitioning (Q&P), and thermo‐mechanical processing, microalloying enables concurrent improvements in yield strength, ductility, and resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. The review concludes that coherent interphase precipitation, multielement alloy design and the integration of heat treatment with microalloying are promising pathways to overcome the strength‐ductility trade‐off and to optimize in‐service performance. These insights offer strategic guidance for the development of next‐generation alloys and processing routes for structural applications of advanced steels.