Effects of Heat Treatment on Microstructure of High-Strength Manganese-Silicon Steels

2017 ◽  
Vol 270 ◽  
pp. 239-245
Author(s):  
Dagmar Bublíková ◽  
Štěpán Jeníček ◽  
Kateřina Opatová ◽  
Bohuslav Mašek
Keyword(s):  
Heat Treatment ◽  
Cooling Rate ◽  
Microstructure Evolution ◽  
Retained Austenite ◽  
Volume Fraction ◽  
High Strength ◽  
Quenching And Partitioning ◽  
Alloying Additions ◽  
New Procedures ◽  
Strength And Ductility

Today’s advanced steels are required to possess high strength and ductility. This can be accomplished by producing appropriate microstructures with a certain volume fraction of retained austenite. The resulting microstructure depends on material’s heat treatment and alloying. High ultimate strengths and sufficient elongation levels can be obtained by various methods, including quenching and partitioning (Q&P process). The present paper introduces new procedures aimed at simplifying this process with the use of material-technological modelling. Three experimental steels have been made and cast for this investigation, whose main alloying additions were manganese, silicon, chromium, molybdenum and nickel. The purpose of manganese addition was to depress the Ms and Mf temperatures. The Q&P process was carried out in a thermomechanical simulator for better and easier control. The heat treatment parameters were varied between the sequences and their effect on microstructure evolution was evaluated. They included the cooling rate, partitioning temperature and time at partitioning temperature. Microstructures including martensite with strength levels of more than 2000 MPa and elongation of 10–15 % were obtained.

scholarly journals EFFECTS OF COOLING RATE ON THE VOLUME FRACTION OF RETAINED AUSTENITE IN FORGINGS FROM HIGH-STRENGTH Mn-Si STEELS

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dagmar Bublíková ◽  
Hana Jirková ◽  
Kateřina Rubešová ◽  
Michal Peković ◽  
Julie Volkmannová ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Heat Treatment ◽  
Cooling Rate ◽  
Retained Austenite ◽  
Physical Simulation ◽  
Volume Fraction ◽  
High Strength ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Quenching Temperature ◽  
Soaking Temperature

<p class="AMSmaintext"><span lang="EN-GB">Various ways are sought today to increase mechanical properties of steels while maintaining their good strength and ductility. Besides effective alloying strategies, one method involves preserving a certain amount of retained austenite in a martensitic matrix. The steel which was chosen as an experimental material for this investigation contained 2.5% manganese, 2.09% silicon and 1.34% chromium, with additions of nickel and molybdenum. An actual closed-die forged part was made of this steel. This forged part was fitted with thermocouples attached to its surface and placed in its interior and then treated using the Q&amp;P process. Q&amp;P process is characterized by rapid cooling from a soaking temperature to a quenching temperature, which is between the Ms and the Mf, and subsequent reheating to and holding at a partitioning temperature where retained austenite becomes stable. The quenchant was hot water. Cooling took place in a furnace. Heat treatment profiles were constructed from the thermocouple data and the process was then replicated in a thermomechanical simulator. The specimens obtained in this manner were examined using metallographic techniques. The effects of cooling rate on mechanical properties and the amount of retained austenite were assessed. The resultant ultimate strength was around 2100 MPa. Elongation and the amount of retained austenite were 15% and 17%, respectively. Microstructures and mechanical properties of the specimens were then compared to the real-world forged part in order to establish whether physical simulation could be employed for laboratory-based optimization of heat treatment of forgings.</span></p>

scholarly journals Carbon Redistribution and Microstructural Evolution Study during Two-Stage Quenching and Partitioning Process of High-Strength Steels by Modeling

Materials ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 2302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yilin Wang ◽  
Huicheng Geng ◽  
Bin Zhu ◽  
Zijian Wang ◽  
Yisheng Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Retained Austenite ◽  
Volume Fraction ◽  
High Strength Steels ◽  
High Strength ◽  
Simulation Method ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Two Stage ◽  
Quenching And Partitioning ◽  
Carbon Redistribution ◽  
Carbon Martensite

The application of the quenching and partitioning (Q-P) process on advanced high-strength steels improves part ductility significantly with little decrease in strength. Moreover, the mechanical properties of high-strength steels can be further enhanced by the stepping-quenching-partitioning (S-Q-P) process. In this study, a two-stage quenching and partitioning (two-stage Q-P) process originating from the S-Q-P process of an advanced high-strength steel 30CrMnSi2Nb was analyzed by the simulation method, which consisted of two quenching processes and two partitioning processes. The carbon redistribution, interface migration, and phase transition during the two-stage Q-P process were investigated with different temperatures and partitioning times. The final microstructure of the material formed after the two-stage Q-P process was studied, as well as the volume fraction of the retained austenite. The simulation results indicate that a special microstructure can be obtained by appropriate parameters of the two-stage Q-P process. A mixed microstructure, characterized by alternating distribution of low carbon martensite laths, small-sized low-carbon martensite plates, retained austenite and high-carbon martensite plates, can be obtained. In addition, a peak value of the volume fraction of the stable retained austenite after the final quenching is obtained with proper partitioning time.

Microstructure and Tensile Properties of TRIP-Aided Steel Sheet Subjected to Hot-Rolling and Austempering

2021 ◽  
Vol 1016 ◽  
pp. 732-737
Author(s):  
Junya Kobayashi ◽  
Hiroto Sawayama ◽  
Naoya Kakefuda ◽  
Goroh Itoh ◽  
Shigeru Kuraoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heat Treatment ◽  
Hot Rolling ◽  
Manufacturing Process ◽  
Retained Austenite ◽  
Volume Fraction ◽  
Isothermal Holding ◽  
High Strength ◽  
Isothermal Transformation ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
Steel Sheets

Various high strength steel sheets for weight reduction and safety improvement of vehicles have been developed. TRIP-aided steel with transformation induced plasticity of the retained austenite has high strength and ductility. Conventional TRIP-aided steels are subjected to austempering process after austenitizing. Generally, elongation and formability of TRIP-aided steel are improved by finely dispersed retained austenite in BCC phase matrix. The finely dispersed retained austenite and grain refinement of TRIP-aided steel can be achieved by hot rolling with heat treatment. Therefore, the improvement of mechanical properties of TRIP-aided steel is expected from the manufacturing process with hot rolling and then isothermal transformation process. In this study, thermomechanical heat treatment is performed by combining hot rolling and isothermal holding as the manufacturing process of TRIP-aided steel sheets. The complex phase matrix is obtained by hot rolling and then isothermal holding. Although the hardness of the hot rolled and isothermal held TRIP-aided steel is decreased, the volume fraction of retained austenite is increased.

scholarly journals High Versatility of Niobium Alloyed AHSS

2017 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 1485-1491 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Kučerová ◽  
K. Opatová ◽  
J. Káňa ◽  
H. Jirková
Keyword(s):  
Heat Treatment ◽  
Retained Austenite ◽  
Volume Fraction ◽  
High Strength ◽  
Processing Parameters ◽  
High Ductility ◽  
Processing Strategies ◽  
Cooling Schedules ◽  
Final Microstructure ◽  
Steel Processing

AbstractThe effect of processing parameters on the final microstructure and properties of advanced high strength CMnSiNb steel was investigated. Several processing strategies with various numbers of deformation steps and various cooling schedules were carried out, namely heat treatment without deformation, conventional quenching and TRIP steel processing with bainitic hold or continuous cooling. Obtained multiphase microstructures consisted of the mixture of ferrite, bainite, retained austenite and M-A constituent. They possessed ultimate tensile strength in the range of 780-970 MPa with high ductility A5mmabove 30%. Volume fraction of retained austenite was for all the samples around 13%. The only exception was reference quenched sample with the highest strength 1186 MPa, lowest ductility A5mm= 20% and only 4% of retained austenite.

Effect of Cooling Rate below Ms Temperature on Hydrogen Embrittlement of TRIP-Aided Martensitic Steels

2021 ◽  
Vol 1016 ◽  
pp. 654-659
Author(s):  
Naoya Kakefuda ◽  
Shintaro Aizawa ◽  
Ryo Sakata ◽  
Junya Kobayashi ◽  
Goroh Itoh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Embrittlement ◽  
Cooling Rate ◽  
Trip Steel ◽  
Retained Austenite ◽  
Volume Fraction ◽  
High Strength ◽  
Martensitic Steels ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Embrittlement Resistance ◽  
Hydrogen Embrittlement Resistance

Low alloy TRIP steel is expected to be applied to automobile bodies because of its high strength, high ductility, and excellent impact properties and press formability. It has been reported that the low alloy TRIP steel of hydrogen embrittlement resistance is improved by utilizing the hydrogen storage characteristics of highly stable retained austenite. Therefore, for the purpose of increasing the volume fraction of retained austenite, it was produced at various cooling rates below the martensite transformation start temperature. As a result, the volume fraction of retained austenite increased, and then the effect of hydrogen embrittlement decreased. The matrix phase and retained austenite is refined with decrees of the cooling rate. It is considered that the size and surface area of the retained austenite also affected the improvement of hydrogen embrittlement resistance.

Hydrogen Embrittlement Resistance of High Strength 9260 Bar Steel Heat Treated by Quenching and Partitioning

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Hoyt ◽  
E. De Moor ◽  
K.O. Findley
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Embrittlement ◽  
Carbon Content ◽  
Hydrogen Concentration ◽  
Retained Austenite ◽  
Volume Fraction ◽  
High Strength ◽  
Quenching And Partitioning ◽  
Quench Temperature ◽  
Embrittlement Resistance ◽  
Hydrogen Embrittlement Resistance

Abstract The influence of microstructure on hydrogen embrittlement of high strength steels for fastener applications is explored in this study. Space limiting applications in areas such as the automotive or agricultural industries provide a need for higher strength fasteners. Albeit, hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility typically increases with strength. Using a 9260 steel alloy, the influence of retained austenite volume fraction in a martensitic matrix was evaluated with microstructures generated via quenching and partitioning. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were used to assess the influence of retained austenite in the matrix with different quenching parameters. The quench temperatures varied from 160 °C up to 220 °C, and a constant partitioning temperature of 290 °C was employed for all quench and partitioned conditions. The target hardness for all testing conditions was 52-54 HRC. Slow strain rate tensile testing was conducted with cathodic hydrogen pre-charging that introduced a hydrogen concentration of 1.0-1.5 ppm to evaluate hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility of these various microstructures. The retained austenite volume fraction and carbon content varied with the initial quench temperature. Additionally, the lowest initial quench temperature employed, which had the highest austenite carbon content, had the greatest hydrogen embrittlement resistance for a hydrogen concentration level of 1.0-1.5 ppm.

scholarly journals The Effect of Mn and Si on the Properties of Advanced High Strength Steels Processed by Quenching and Partitioning

2010 ◽  
Vol 654-656 ◽  
pp. 94-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bohuslav Mašek ◽  
Hana Jirková ◽  
Daniela Hauserova ◽  
Ludmila Kučerová ◽  
Danuše Klauberová
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Retained Austenite ◽  
Volume Fraction ◽  
High Strength Steels ◽  
High Strength ◽  
Microstructural Development ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Quenching And Partitioning ◽  
Advanced High Strength Steels ◽  
High Ultimate Strength

The concepts new types of materials are, for economic reasons, focused mainly on low alloyed steels with a good combination of strength and ductility. Suitable heat and thermo-mechanical treatments play an important role for the utilization of these materials. Different alloying strategies are used to influence phase transformations. The quenching and partitioning process (Q-P Process) is one of the heat treatment methods which can result in a high ultimate strength as well as a good ductility. However, these good properties can be obtained only if a sufficient amount of retained austenite is stabilized. The influence of different contents of manganese, silicon and chromium on microstructural development and mechanical properties were experimentally tested. Alloying elements were used to stabilize the retained austenite in the final microstructure and also to strengthen the solid solution. Ultimate strengths of over 2000MPa with ductility over 10% were reached after the optimization of the Q-P Process. The microstructures were analyzed using several microscopic methods; mechanical properties were determined by a tensile test and the volume fraction of the retained austenite was established by X-ray diffraction phase analysis.

scholarly journals NEW TREATMENT ROUTE FOR CLOSED-DIE FORGINGS OF STEELS WITH 2.5% MANGANESE

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 119
Author(s):  
Dagmar Bublíková ◽  
Štěpán Jeníček ◽  
Michal Peković ◽  
Hana Jirková
Keyword(s):  
Heat Treatment ◽  
Retained Austenite ◽  
Volume Fraction ◽  
High Strength ◽  
Quenching Temperature ◽  
Treatment Processes ◽  
Martensitic Microstructure ◽  
Heat Treated ◽  
Forged Parts ◽  
New Treatment

<p>The requirements placed on closed-die-forged parts of advanced steels have been increasing recently. Such forgings demand an innovative approach to both design and heat treatment. It is important to obtain high strength and sufficient ductility in closed-die forgings. High strength, mostly associated with martensitic microstructure, is often to the detriment of ductility. Ductility can be improved by incorporating a certain volume fraction of retained austenite in the resulting microstructure. Among heat treatment processes capable of producing martensite and retained austenite, there is the Q&amp;P process (Quenching and Partitioning). This process is characterized by rapid cooling from the soaking temperature to the quenching temperature, which is between Ms and Mf, and subsequent reheating and holding at the partitioning temperature. Thus, strength levels of more than 2000 MPa combined with more than 10% elongation can be obtained. This experimental programme involved steels with 2.5% manganese. Forgings of these steels were heat treated using an innovative process in order to obtain an ultimate strength of more than 2000 MPa combined with sufficient elongation. Thanks to a higher manganese level, the Mf was depressed as low as 78°C, and therefore quenching was carried out not only in air but also in boiling water. Holding at the partitioning temperature of 180°C, when carbon migrates from super-saturated martensite to retained austenite, took place in a furnace. The effects of heat treatment parameters on the resulting mechanical properties and microstructure evolution in various locations of the forging were studied.</p>

scholarly journals Microstructural Investigations of Low Temperature Joining of Q&P Steels Using Ag Nanoparticles in Combination with Sn and SnAg as Activating Material

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susann Hausner ◽  
Martin Wagner ◽  
Guntram Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Heat Treatment ◽  
Ag Nanoparticles ◽  
Low Temperatures ◽  
Retained Austenite ◽  
Steel Substrate ◽  
High Strength ◽  
The One ◽  
Treatment Step ◽  
Heat Treatment Step ◽  
Strength And Ductility

Quenching and partitioning (Q&P) steels show a good balance between strength and ductility due to a special heat treatment that allows to adjust a microstructure of martensite with a fraction of stabilized retained austenite. The final heat treatment step is performed at low temperatures. Therefore, joining of Q&P steels is a big challenge. On the one hand, a low joining temperature is necessary in order not to influence the adjusted microstructure; on the other hand, high joint strengths are required. In this study, joining of Q&P steels with Ag nanoparticles is investigated. Due to the nano-effect, high-strength and temperature-resistant joints can be produced at low temperatures with nanoparticles, which meets the contradictory requirements for joining of Q&P steels. In addition to the Ag nanoparticles, activating materials (SnAg and Sn) are used at the interface to achieve an improved bonding to the steel substrate. The results show that the activating materials play an important role in the successful formation of joints. Only with the activating materials, can joints be produced. Due to the low joining temperature (max. 237 °C), the microstructure of the Q&P steel is hardly influenced.

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