Improvement of the martensitic stainless steel X46Cr13 by Q&P heat treatment

Abstract

Abstract The innovative heat treatment concept of “Quenching and Partitioning” (Q&P) enables the production of high-strength martensitic steels with high ductility. Residual austenite is stabilized in the partitioning process by carbon diffusion. This enables the strain-induced phase transformation from austenite to martensite and increases the ductility without reducing the strength. So far, little research has been done on the application of the Q&P process on martensitic stainless steels and their related corrosion resistance. The present work supplements the first investigations by Yuang and Raabe with important material-technical parameters as well as the achievable corrosion resistance. The Q&P heat treatment offers enhanced mechanical properties and a higher corrosion resistance in comparison to the conventional quenching and tempering heat treatment.