The Steel Superstrengthening Phenomenon

Abstract

The conventional method for improvement of mechanical properties of materials requires the use of alloying elements, which significantly increases their cost. Alloy steels usually are quenched in oils or polymers of high concentration to eliminate crack formation. However, slow cooling in oils decreases the mechanical properties of the materials. This means that more alloy elements need to be added to the material to satisfy the requirements of industry. This chapter discusses new ways of improving the mechanical properties of materials by intensive quenching, especially increasing the cooling rate within the martensite range. It will be shown that intensive cooling within the martensite range is equal to low-temperature thermomechanical treatment and increases the strength and plastic properties of materials [1–4].