Effect of Two-Step High Temperature Treatment on Phase Transformation and Microstructure of V-Bearing Bainitic Steel

Abstract

The effects of VC precipitation on phase transformation, microstructure, and mechanical properties were studied by controlling two-step isothermal treatment, i.e., austenization followed by intercritical transformation. The results show that the bainite transformation time of 950 °C–860 °C treatment and 950 °C–848 °C treatment is shorter than that of 950 °C single-step treatment. This is related to the isothermal ferrite transformation in the intercritical transformation range. The formation of ferrite nuclei increases the density of medium temperature bainite nucleation sites and decrease the bainite nucleation activation energy. At the same time, a large number of VC particles are precipitated. The additional VC particles provide numbers of preferential nucleation sites. The toughness of the specimen treated at 950~870 °C is improved, which is related to the large proportion of high angle grain boundaries. High angle grain boundaries can hinder crack propagation or change the direction of crack propagation. The specimen treated at 950 °C–848 °C exhibits large proportion of low angle grain boundaries, which is beneficial for the strength improvement.