Microstructure analysis and mechanical properties of Low alloy High strength Quenched and Partitioned Steel

Gleeble study of the quenching and partitioning (Q&amp;P) process has been performed onDomex 960 steel (Fe, 0.08 %C, 1.79 %Mn, 0.23 %Si, 0.184 %Ti, and 0.038 %Al). The effect ofdifferent Q&amp;P conditions on microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated. The aimof the process is to produce a fine grained microstructure for better ductility and controlled amountsof different micro-constituents to increase the strength and toughness simultaneously. Threedifferent quenching temperatures, three partitioning temperatures and three partitioning times havebeen selected to process the 27 specimens by Gleeble® 1500. The specimens were characterized bymeans of OM, SEM, XRD, hardness and impact tests. It was found that, fine lath martensite withretained austenite is achievable without high amount of Si or Al in the composition although lack ofthese elements may cause the formation of carbides and decrease the available amount of carbon forpartitioning into the austenite. The hardness increases as the quenching temperature is decreased,however, at highest partitioning temperature (640◦C) the hardness increases sharply due to extensiveprecipitate formation.<p>Konferensartikel i tidskrift