Combined Intercritical Annealing and Q&P Processing of Medium Mn Steel

The microstructure and mechanical properties of intercritically annealed medium Mn steel are dependent on the selection of the intercritical annealing (IA) temperature. While the yield strength (YS) decreases with increasing IA temperature, the ultimate tensile strength increases with increasing IA temperature. Strain aging phenomena, both static and dynamic, are also often observed. The present contribution shows that, by combining IA with the quench and partitioning processing of the intercritical austenite, it is possible to obtain non-aging mechanical properties which combine a high YS with an ultra-high tensile strength. These properties are particularly suitable for automotive parts related to passenger safety. (C) The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society and ASM International 2016117sciescopu