A novel design: Partitioning achieved by quenching and tempering (Q-T & P) in an aluminium-added low-density steel

In this research a novel concept, quenching and tempering-associated partitioning (Q-T & P), has been proposed by a new alloy design with a 3.5 wt.% aluminium addition, in which the quenching temperature is designed at ambient temperature and the initial phase constitution is adjusted through the M-s temperature by alloy design and intercritical annealing. In addition, with regard to the partitioning achieved by the simple quenching and tempering heat treatment, the new Q-T & P is approximate 5% lighter than conventional treatment. (C) 2012 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.