Manipulating Retained Austenite Fraction and Stability With Controlled Chemical Heterogeneities in Q&P Steels

Advanced high-strength steels go through complex heat treatment processes with the goal of retaining austenite to enhance the mechanical properties. Martensite start temperature predictions are generally based on bulk composition when designing heat treatments, so compositional heterogeneities are not considered. Here, the effects of compositional heterogeneities on retained austenite fractions in a quenching and partitioning steel are investigated. The results show that Mn banding from solidification can be used to change retained austenite fractions.

Automated summary

This study investigates the effects of compositional heterogeneities on the retained austenite fractions in a quenching and partitioning steel. The results show that the Mn banding from solidification can change the retained austenite fractions.