Abstract

We describe here the effects of quenching and partitioning (Q&P) process on the evolution of microstructure and consequent changes in hardness in a set of medium-carbon and high-carbon steels containing varying percentage of chromium, manganese, and silicon, with the aim to advance our understanding of Q&P process. The study suggests that in medium-carbon steels, higher partitioning of carbon from martensite to retained austenite and stabilization of austenite occurs when martensite has a higher supersaturation of carbon after quenching, which is obtained at low quench temperature. Another important aspect that emerges from the study is that the transition ( ɛ) carbide decreases hardness and its formation is promoted in medium-carbon steels with higher silicon-content such that the precipitation occurs at lower temperature of 250 °C. However, in contrast to medium-carbon steels, the high chromium content in high-carbon steels has a negative impact on the Q&P process because of the formation of large cementite during the spheroidizing treatment that reduces the ability of austenite to be enriched with carbon. The decrease in hardness in high-carbon steels during partitioning is a cumulative effect of austenite stabilization, softening of martensite, and decrease in carbon supersaturation of martensite.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.