Multiphase microstructure formation and its effect on fracture behavior of medium carbon high silicon high strength steel

This work investigated the evolution of multiphase microstructure and impact fracture behavior of medium carbon high silicon high strength steel subjected to the austempering treatment at 240, 360, and 400 degrees C. The results show that martensite, bainite, and retained austenite (RA) are the main microstructural phases. The austempering treatments at 360 and 400 degrees C caused the formation of carbon-poor ferrite in the matrix, and the transformation of ultrafine bainite into coarse lath bainite and granular bainite, respectively. Thick filmy RA was distributed between bainite laths. The polygonal martensite-austenite islands and blocky RA formed along the grain boundaries. The average carbon concentration in the matrix decreased with the temperature increase, while the impact toughness initially increased and then dropped with temperature. The quasi-cleavage brittle fracture dominated the impact fracture mechanism of the sample austempered at 240 degrees C by forming tearing surfaces and tearing steps. The microcracks disappeared in the RA on the prior austenite grain boundaries. On the other side, the fracture surface of the sample austempered at 360 degrees C exhibited ductile fracture with deep dimples and brittle fracture with cleavage river patterns. The polygonal martensite-austenite islands or blocky RA constrained the microcracks. After austempered at 400 degrees C, the brittle fracture was dominant, showing river patterns, and the microcracks propagated through the granular bainite without any resistance. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The editorial office of Journal of Materials Science & Technology.

Automated summary

This study investigated the evolution of multiphase microstructure and impact fracture behavior of medium carbon high silicon high strength steel after austempering treatment at different temperatures. The results show that with the increase of treatment temperature, the carbon concentration in the matrix decreases, and impact toughness initially increases then gradually decreases. Different treatment temperatures lead to variations in fracture mechanisms and characteristics of the samples.