Reversed austenite for enhancing ductility of martensitic stainless steel
- The quenching and partitioning (Q+P) heat treatment enables a higher deformability of high strength martensitic steels. Therefore, it is necessary to have some metastable austenite in the microstructure, which transforms in martensite during plastic deformation (TRIP-effect). This condition is guaranteed by the quenching and the additional partitioning treatment. Due to local carbon diffusion retained austenite is stabilized and a partial reversion of austenite from martensite occurs. The Q+P heat treatment was investigated for the martensitic stainless steel 1.4034 (X46Cr13) concerning the influence of partitioning time. In line with these efforts metallographic, XRD- and EBSD-measurements were performed to characterize the microstructural evolution. The mechanical experiments included mechanical testing with different strain rates. The reversion of austenite by the partitioning treatment could be detected with EBSD- and XRD-measurements. Further-more the results of the mechanicalThe quenching and partitioning (Q+P) heat treatment enables a higher deformability of high strength martensitic steels. Therefore, it is necessary to have some metastable austenite in the microstructure, which transforms in martensite during plastic deformation (TRIP-effect). This condition is guaranteed by the quenching and the additional partitioning treatment. Due to local carbon diffusion retained austenite is stabilized and a partial reversion of austenite from martensite occurs. The Q+P heat treatment was investigated for the martensitic stainless steel 1.4034 (X46Cr13) concerning the influence of partitioning time. In line with these efforts metallographic, XRD- and EBSD-measurements were performed to characterize the microstructural evolution. The mechanical experiments included mechanical testing with different strain rates. The reversion of austenite by the partitioning treatment could be detected with EBSD- and XRD-measurements. Further-more the results of the mechanical testing showed improved values of strength and de-formability because of the Q+P heat treatment.…