Influence of the Partitioning Treatment on the Mechanical Properties of a 0.3C-1.5Si-3.5Mn Q&P Steel

Abstract

The Quenching and Partitioning (Q&P) process is a promising method for developing steels with superior mechanical properties. This process includes quenching an austenitic microstructure to form a controlled fraction of martensite, an isothermal treatment (partitioning step) aiming for the partitioning of carbon from martensite to austenite and a final quench to room temperature. This paper analyses the concurrent processes of carbon partitioning and martensite tempering during the partitioning step of a 0.3C-1.5Si-3.5Mn (wt.%) Q&P steel. The influence of the martensite tempering and the carbon partitioning on the tensile strength as well as on the uniform and post-uniform elongation of the developed Q&P microstructures is investigated.