Effect of small addition of Cr on stability of retained austenite in high carbon steel

High carbon steels with dual phase structure of martensite and metastable austenite are strong, hard and cost effective. This makes them suitable for a number of industrial applications in high abrasive environments. Nevertheless, the ductility of dual-phase high carbon steel can be questioned owing to the carbon percentage and brittleness of their martensitic structures. Fortunately, it is possible to achieve a good balance of high-energy absorption properties and strength in high carbon steel through alloying as well as well-controlled microstructures