Isothermal Transformation Temperature Research Articles

Dry sliding wear behavior of the high-strength nanostructured bainitic steel containing 3.5 wt% aluminum

The acceptable wear behavior of nanostructured bainitic steels has enhanced their potential to be industrialized, and their applications in the automotive industry. This study focused on the wear behavior of the high-strength nanostructured bainitic steel containing 3.5 wt% aluminum (low-cost and low-density) to assess the dominant sliding wear mechanism and the correlation between the microstructure and applied load on the sliding wear resistance. A pin-on-disk tribometer was used to evaluate dry sliding wear behavior, and the SWR was computed by weighing the specimens. To identify the wear mechanism, the worn surfaces and cross-sections were analyzed using XRD, FESEM, and EDS. The results showed that the retained austenite volume fraction and carbon content of austenite (the stabilizer of the retained austenite) of high-strength nanostructured bainitic steels are not the only determinants of wear behavior. Indeed, the thickness of bainitic ferrite plates (strength source) is the major parameter affecting wear resistance. An increase in the Vαb/tαb ratio due to a decreased austempering temperature reduced the SWR and enhanced wear resistance. Moreover, the change from a normal load of 50 N to a load of 150 N changed the dominant wear mechanism from oxidative to adhesive. Also, increasing the isothermal transformation temperature and applied load by increasing the thickness of the tribological-transition-zone (TTZ) causes a decrease in sliding wear resistance. In summary, the formation of a thin TTZ due to the increase in the Vαb/tαb ratio is the main reason for the improvement of the wear resistance of the austempered sample at the lowest temperature (250 °C).

Influence of the Isothermal Transformation Temperature on the Structure and Properties of Low-Carbon Steel

Purpose. The study is aimed at evaluating the effect of the isothermal transformation temperature on the structure and properties of low-carbon steel. Methodology. The material for the study was a 3 mm diameter wire made of mild steel with the following chemical composition: 0.21% C, 0.47% Mn, 1.2% Si, 0.1% Cr, 0.03% S, 0.012% P. The 0.3 m long wire samples were subjected to austenitizing at 920 °C for 8...9 min, after which they were held isothermally for 11 min at temperatures of 650...200 °C, followed by cooling in air. The strength, plastic properties, and strain hardening coefficient were determined from the analysis of tensile curves. Findings. It was found that a decrease in the temperature of isothermal transformation, starting from 450...400 °C, increases the amount of Widmannstätten ferrite due to the disappearance of polyhedral ferrite grains. At the same time, the number of areas with locally located dispersed cementite particles similar to pearlite colonies increases, and bainite crystals appear. Against the background of a sharp decrease in the strain hardening coefficient in the range of 450...400 °C, the ability of the bainite phase to undergo plastic deformation should be considered one of the reasons for the delay in density reduction. Originality. The effect of steel hardening with a decrease in the pearlite transformation temperature is based on the grinding of ferrite grains, an increase in the amount of Widmannstätten ferrite, and the dispersion of pearlite colonies. The strengthening effect of steel with a bainite structure is based on an increase in the degree of supersaturation of the solid solution with carbon atoms and dispersion hardening by particles of the carbide phase. Practical value. The optimal structural state of steel intended for the manufacture of such critical elements as a support beam, railroad car bogie, etc. is a mixture of phase components with different dispersion and morphology, and their quantitative ratio is determined by the operating conditions of a particular product.

Effect of prior martensite on bainitic transformation of high Si hypereutectoid steel

The paper discusses the effect of prior martensite on the bainitic transformation of a high Si hypereutectoid steel. The research uses a combination of experimental techniques, high-resolution dilatometry and X-ray diffraction analysis, and theoretical calculations to investigate the impact of martensite on the transformation kinetics and microstructure evolution. The study shows that the presence of martensite, regardless of the amount, accelerates the bainitic transformation, particularly in the early and fastest stages, and at higher isothermal transformation temperatures. At lower temperatures, the preconditioning of the austenite prior to the bainitic transformation is such that its mechanical stability increases to the point where the whole transformation is inhibited. It is also suggested that the formation of cementite due to the tempering of martensite at the isothermal stage controls the final fraction of bainitic ferrite. The findings provide valuable insights into the role of prior martensite in bainitic transformation kinetics and microstructure development.

Effect of isothermal temperature and load on wear of nanobainitic cast steel

The wear behaviour of a nanobainitic cast steel: 0.76C-2.08Si-0.74Mn-0.79Cr (wt. %), isothermally treated at different temperatures, 250 and 300°C; have been investigated by pin on disk test in dry conditions. The tests were carried out at different loads: 2, 7, 12 and 15 N. The results show that the wear rate is higher when the isothermal transformation temperature and load increases. Also, at low loads adhesion, oxidation and abrasion are the main wearing mechanisms, while at high loads contact fatigue becomes dominant. The results are related to the microstructural differences produced by the change in the isothermal temperature of the heat treatment.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of 0.2C-3.9Al-1.12Mn-0.3Mo δ-TRIP steel as a function of isothermal bainitic transformation temperature

The present investigation employed a two-stage heat treatment on a δ-transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) steel comprising 0.2C–4Al–1.2Mn–0.3Mo (wt%). The mechanical and microstructural characteristics that result from varied isothermal bainitic transformation (IBT) temperatures following inter-critical annealing at 820℃ for 10 min are thoroughly analyzed. The microstructure of the steels consisted of δ-ferrite, α-ferrite, bainitic ferrite, retained austenite (RA), and martensite, resulting in an optimum combination of the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and total elongation (TE). The results of the investigation showed that IBT temperature had an effect on the stability of RA and the martensitic transition. Due to the increased mechanical stability of RA, the study revealed that the TRIP phenomenon was more prominent at lower IBT temperatures. Both tensile and yield strengths, as well as elongation, decreased as a consequence of the increase in IBT temperature. Maximum values of UTS, TE, and the product of these two properties (PSE) are attained (860 MPa, 41%, and 35260 MPa∙%, respectively) under optimal processing conditions (at 350℃ IBT temperature in 10 min).

Enhanced stretch flangeability and crack propagation behavior of an 1100 MPa grade TRIP-aided bainitic ferrite steel

In order to face the challenges of lightweight, safety, and emission reduction in the automotive industry, transformation-induced plasticity aided bainitic ferrite (TBF) steel was fabricated by controlling the size and shape of bainitic ferrite and compared with quenching and partitioning (Q&P) steels. The effects of bainite transformation on the mechanical properties, microvoid formation, and crack propagation were analyzed by dilatometry measurement and microstructure characterization. At lower isothermal bainite transformation (IBT) temperature, the lathy bainitic matrix can prevent crack formation and limit the crack propagation inside its laths, in favor of improving the strength and stretch flangeability simultaneously. In addition, granular bainite, coarse martensite, and austenite (M-A) islands would increase the risk of void formation at higher IBT temperatures. These voids provided the initial sites for crack formation, which was also responsible for the reduction of the hole expansion ratio (HER). In conclusion, the outstanding properties were achieved in the T-375 samples with the HER of 33.5%, the total elongation of 16.9%, the tensile strength of 1191 MPa, and the yield strength of 934 MPa.

Dilatometric study of high silicon bainitic steels: Solid-state transformations

High silicon bainitic steels have gained significant recognition in various applications due to their exceptional properties, such as high strength, favourable corrosion resistance, and excellent high-temperature stability. This study investigates an alloy capable of generating a finer bainitic structure through a transformation at 260 °C, leading to the desired microstructure. Interestingly, other phenomena were discovered while pursuing optimal heat treatment conditions. At temperatures exceeding 850 °C, the alloy exhibits a tendency for graphite formation, which has intriguing implications for its mechanical properties. The high silicon concentration in the alloy significantly retards cementite growth, resulting in a microstructure composed solely of bainitic ferrite and residual austenite through the transformation of austenite below the bainite start temperature. Furthermore, it is observed that pearlite formed during rapid transformation at 650 °C does not exhibit the predicted equilibrium chemical composition. This discrepancy challenges the existing models of pearlite growth, which assume local equilibrium at the shared interface with austenite. This research aims to investigate the influence of silicon content on solid-state transformations in high-silicon steels using dilatometry, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X–ray diffraction techniques. These analytical methods will provide insights into the intricate processes occurring during isothermal transformation temperatures, contributing to a deeper understanding of the material's behaviour and its potential applications.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Nb microalloyed high‑carbon pearlitic steels subjected to isothermal transformation

Niobium (Nb) is mainly added to low-carbon steels, in which the main microstructure is ferrite and/or bainite, to refine grains and improve their properties. However, the studies on Nb in high-carbon pearlitic steels are insufficient, and there are some debates regarding the existing studies. High-carbon pearlitic steel is widely used in bars, wires, and steel rails. The role of Nb in high-carbon steels may differ for different steel grades and under different heat treatments. Hence, further detailed studies are required to improve the properties of high-carbon pearlitic steels. In this study, two series of high-carbon pearlitic steels (68C and 75C series) were designed and subjected to isothermal pearlite transformation at different austenitization and isothermal transformation temperatures. The microstructures and mechanical properties of the steels were investigated by optical microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and hardness tests. The results showed that the pearlite lamellae were refined by the addition of Nb to high-carbon pearlitic steels, which was attributed to the solute drag effect of Nb. The pearlite colony and nodule sizes also became finer with the addition of Nb because of the finer prior austenite grains and smaller pearlite growth rates. However, the refinement of the pearlite lamellae, nodules, and colonies by the addition of Nb was not significantly enhanced by increasing the Nb content from 0.014 wt% to 0.027 wt% in 75C series samples. In addition, the pearlite interlamellar spacing and colony and nodule sizes of the samples decreased with decreasing isothermal and austenitization temperatures. Moreover, the addition of Nb to high-carbon steels increased their hardness and yield strength. The main strengthening mechanisms of Nb in high-carbon steel are grain refinement strengthening and precipitation strengthening in the samples austenitized at 900 °C, whereas the improvement of strength is mainly attributed to grain refinement strengthening in the samples austenitized at 1180 °C. This study systematically characterized the pearlite morphology of Nb microalloyed high-carbon steels and analyzed the strengthening mechanism, providing a theoretical reference for the development of Nb-containing high-carbon pearlitic steels.

Structure-property relationship in vanadium micro-alloyed TRIP steel subjected to the isothermal bainite transformation process

Structure-property relationship in vanadium micro-alloyed TRIP steel is investigated focusing on austenite transformation, precipitation behavior and mechanical performance. Microstructural evolution of the steel during processing was characterized mainly using EBSD, TEM and APT techniques; and its influence on mechanical properties was discussed. The TRIP steel exhibits complex microstructure including intercritical ferrite (IF), bainitic ferrite (BF), retained austenite (RA) and martensite. After identical intercritical annealing (IA), IF fraction keeps constant, BF and RA fractions increase while martensite fraction decreases with decreasing isothermal bainite transformation (IBT) temperature from 470 to 380 °C. The initially precipitated vanadium carbides (VC) in the hot-rolled specimen undergo coarsening during IA process, accompanied with some newly precipitated VC in either ferrite or in austenite, confirmed by the co-existence of small-sized and coarsened VC after IA process, as well as occurrence of K–S orientation relationship between VC and the α-Fe matrix. Ultra-fine average grain size of less than 1 μm in the TRIP heat-treated steel is achieved by the refining effect of these nano-scale VC precipitates, which can inhibit phase boundary (PB) migration during IA process and promote bainite transformation during subsequent IBT process. The higher volume fraction of RA accompanied with higher carbon enrichment intensifies sustainable strain hardening and finally increased ductility of the specimens treated under lower IBT temperature. In the IBT-380 specimen with the highest RA and BF fractions, the occurrence of micro-yielding phenomenon is a result of the Cottrell atmosphere in soft domain BF and stress relaxation due to RA to martensite transformation, during which the soft domain IF/RA/BF and hard domain martensite yields step by step. An excellent mechanical performance is thus achieved in the IBT-380 specimen, meeting the requirements for the 3rd generation advanced auto-steel.

Investigate on ultrahigh-strength TRIP-aided autosteel plate under the framework of ICME

A novel low-carbon (C) low-alloy transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) steel with a nominal composition of Fe-0.3C-1.9Mn-1.0Si-0.7Al wt.% was successfully designed by combining high-throughput thermodynamic and kinetic calculations and feature engineering based on the Integrated Computing Materials Engineering (ICME) framework. The designed TRIP steel was subjected to a series of two-stage heat treatments according to the target intercritical annealing temperature determined by estimation in an attempt to optimize phase constituents to obtain an ideal strength-plasticity balance. After annealing at 780 °C, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), total elongation (TEL) and the product of strength and elongation (PSE) of the experimental steel can reach ∼980 MPa, ∼30% and ∼30 GPa•% respectively, because of the appropriate phase fraction and size of retained austenite (RA). Annealing at 820 °C, when the isothermal bainitic transformation (IBT) temperature is low, the short distance diffusion of C made it enriched in a small region, the stability of different RA grains varied greatly, which was not conducive to ensure stable and continuous TRIP effect. Moreover, by evaluation of the effect multiphase on yield strength (YS) and UTS, the presence of more bainite led to samples having higher tensile strength but deteriorated their plasticity.

Evaluation of wear resistance of a novel carbide-free bainitic steel

The effect of isothermal transformation temperatures on wear performances of a newly designed high-silicon carbide-free bainitic steel was studied. Wear tests were performed by a ball-on-disc tribometer using steel spheres as counterpart material. Friction coefficient was provided by the equipment, whereas wear rate was evaluated by the wear volume. Wear tracks on disc surfaces and worn cross-sections were analysed by means FEG-SEM, EDS measurements, XRD, roughness, and hardness tests. Bainitic microstructure offers better wear resistance compared to pearlitic-ferritic microstructure due to higher hardness, strain hardening capability, and strain-induced transformations. Adhesion and tribo-oxidational wear are the main wear mechanisms; the extent of oxidation increases increasing austempering temperature and it is maximum for samples treated at 350 °C and pearlitic-ferritic microstructure.

Study on Kinetics of Transformation in Medium Carbon Steel Bainite at Different Isothermal Temperatures.

Ultra-fine carbide-free bainitic (UCFB) steel, also known as nano-bainite (NB) steel, is composed of bainitic ferrite laths with nanoscale thickness and carbon-rich film-like retained austenite located between laths. The bainite transformation kinetic model can accurately describe the bainite transformation kinetics in conventional austempering (CA) processes based on the shear mechanism combined with the dilatometer test. UCFB steels with medium and high carbon composition are designed in this work to systematically study the transformation kinetics of bainite, and the evolution of its microstructure and properties, and reveal the influence of heat treatment processes on the microstructure and properties the UCFB steels. The results show that the activation energy for BF nucleation decreases during the CA process and isothermal transformation temperature decreases. The bainite transformation is first nucleated at the grain boundaries, and then nucleated at the newly formed bainitic ferrite/austenite interface.

Effects of ausforming temperature on carbide-free bainite transformation and its correlation to the transformation plasticity strain in a medium C- Si-rich steel

Ausforming treatments at different temperatures were applied to a medium CSi rich carbide free bainitic steel, and the role of transformation plasticity on the evolution of the microstructure is discussed. Three ausforming temperatures were selected prior to isothermal bainite transformation at 325 °C. Deformation was applied above the bainite start temperature, BS, (600 °C), below BS (400 °C), and at the isothermal transformation temperature (325 °C). A combination of high-resolution dilatometry, XRD, SEM, and EBSD was used to investigate phase changes, microstructure evolution, and variant selections for the different ausforming conditions. The results indicated that the transformation rate was enhanced for all deformation conditions compared with the pure isothermal condition. Ausforming above BS did not modify the morphology of the carbide free microstructure, while ausforming below BS led to an asymmetrical morphology in the specimen. The alignment of the bainite plates can be at a random or a specific angle, depending on the supercooled austenite condition prior to the bainitic transformation. The thickness of the bainitic ferrite plates was refined to about 100 nm for the ausforming cycle at 325 °C resulting in a hardness of values of 540 HV. Transformation plasticity strains increased with increasing bainite transformation and were more intense with increasing microstructure alignment at the two lower ausforming temperatures. Texture studies revealed that both pure isothermal and ausforming at temperatures above BS resulted in an almost random texture, while a strong texture was obtained when ausforming below BS, a which was attributed to variant selection.

Wear behavior of nanostructured carbo-austempered cast steels under rolling-sliding conditions

Carbo-austempered steels with a nanobainitic microstructure in the case are established as an exciting alternative in applications demanding high stability and reliability against wear and fatigue. In this work, the effect of heat treatment conditions, i.e. austenitizing and isothermal transformation temperatures, on the wear behavior under rolling/sliding conditions of a carburized cast steel with a nanobainitic structure in the surface was examined. The results show that wear damage is mainly due to contact fatigue, with a small extent of oxidative wear, abrasion and adhesion. The results were compared with the conventional tempered martensite plus retained austenite microstructure obtained by means of carburizing followed by quenching and tempering. The nanobainitic microstructures show a better wear resistance than the quenched and tempered microstructures. Also, the specific wear rate in carbo-austempered steels was lower as the isothermal heat treatment temperature decreased. Results are explained in terms of the microstructural differences, hardening behavior and plasticity of the materials under study.

Effects of austenizing temperature, cooling rate and isothermal temperature on overall phase transformation characteristics in high carbon steel

Phase transformations in high-carbon steel has been investigated by dilatometry during continuous cooling and isothermal transformations, following austenizing at temperatures of 900 °C–1200 °C (1173–1473 K). Optical microscopy and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy techniques revealed the presence of martensite, complex bainite, pearlite and metastable retained austenite under a variety of heat treatments. Magnetic measurements proved to be a useful technique to determine the fraction of retained austenite. Quantitative image processing with ImageJ software and magnetic techniques were used to calculate phase fractions. The rate of phase transformations increased by an increase in austenizing temperature for transformations occurring during continuous cooling and isothermal transformations. A mere increase in cooling rate from 3 °C (276 K) per second to 5 °C (278 K) per second changed the relative phase fractions and hardness significantly. The hardness of isothermally cooling specimens was a strong function of temperature and microstructure. Although isothermal holding at 500–525 °C (773–798 K) resulted in a mixture of bainite and pearlite, the hardness decreased significantly by decreasing the isothermal transformation temperature from 525 °C (798 K) to 500 °C (773 K). These outcomes provide valuable guidelines for the development of novel microstructure in high carbon steel in industrial practice.

On the Degradation of Retained Austenite in Transformation Induced Plasticity Steel

A transformation-induced plasticity steel was thermomechanically processed and then transformed to bainite at an isothermal transformation temperature of 723 K for 1800 seconds, which exceeds the time required for completion of the bainite transformation. The formation of lenticular-shaped carbides with a triclinic lattice and internal substructure was found after thermomechanical processing. After 16 years of storage at room temperature, the decomposition of retained austenite into pearlite was observed for the first time at this temperature.

Regulating tensile properties through bainitic transformation temperature in a hot-rolled δ-TRIP steel

This study aims to clarify effects of isothermal bainitic transformation (IBT) temperature on microstructure and mechanical properties of a high Al–low Si δ-TRIP steel. For this purpose, the alloy was austenitised at the intercritical annealing temperature of 820°C for 600 s and then was isothermally cooled down into a salt bath and held at the temperatures between 350 and 450°C for 360 s. X-ray diffraction indicates that by increasing the IBT temperature, the volume fraction of retained austenite increases. In addition, it was found that the optimum combination of strength and ductility, i.e. tensile strength of 1046 MPa and total elongation of 54%, was achieved in the sample which was isothermally held at 450°C for 360 s.

Investigation of microstructural evolution and bainite transformation kinetics of multi-phase steel

In this study, multi-phase steel with a mixture of ferrite, bainite, retained austenite and martensite is obtained after specific heat treatments, which include intercritical annealing, isothermal holding and final quenching. The microstructural constituents and individual phase fractions are precisely quantified based on multi-scale characterizations. The focus is on bainite transformation kinetics and its impact on the microstructural evolution, which is systematically analyzed according to the assumption of displacive modeling theory. Bainite transformation begins with austenite grain-boundary nucleation and continues through autocatalytic nucleation based on nucleation kinetics of bainitic sub-units. A small discrepancy between the modeling and experimental results is indicative of carbon partitioning into austenite, which reduces the driving force and/or the rate parameter κ for bainite transformation. In addition, the continuous carbon enrichment in austenite decelerates the bainite transformation and prolongs the duration time. Moreover, the maximum carbon concentration in austenite is limited by the T0 line. Austenite with a lower carbon content but higher volume fraction will not transform to bainite at higher isothermal bainite transformation temperatures, and such mechanically unstable austenite is more likely to transform to martensite during final quenching. As a result, with increasing isothermal holding temperature, the bainite and retained austenite fractions decrease while the martensite fraction increases in the sepcimens after final quenching.

Effects of Heat Treatment Parameters on the Microstructure and Properties of Bainitic Steel

The results obtained in the present study demonstrate the effects of various types of heat treatment processes on the microstructure and hardness of new trip-assisted carbide-free bainitic steel. The steel was subjected to three variants of heat treatment processing with an isothermal bainitic transformation temperature in a range from 350 to 480 °C. Changes of temperature and time of isothermal holding caused changes in the values of retained austenite (RA) volume fraction and carbon content. Reduction in the isothermal holding temperature resulted in the increased concentration of carbon in austenite. Also, the investigations of the microstructure showed that size and morphology of the austenite evolved during heat treatment. The SEM observations revealed that the steel subjected to heat treatment is composed of the carbide-free bainite with ferrite plates and a high volume fraction of retained austenite in the form of thin layers or islands. With the lower isothermal holding temperature and the higher degree of bainitic transformation, the more the RA morphology changed from island to layer type. The application of the lowest isothermal temperature resulted in a significant refinement of the microstructure components: the bainitic ferrite plates and the RA layers. Also, the mechanical properties obtained from the tensile testing and hardness measurements were correlated to the microstructure of the investigated steel after different isothermal holdings.

Fundamentals of isothermal austenite reversion in a Ti-stabilized 12Cr – 6 Ni – 2 Mo super martensitic stainless steel: Thermodynamics versus experimental assessments

This work addresses the fundamentals of inter-critical austenite reversion in a Ti-stabilized 12Cr-6Ni-2Mo (at.%) supermartensitic stainless steel, combining thermodynamic and experimental assessments. The calculation of the temperature and composition at which ferrite and austenite phases have the same free energy, i.e. T0 and C0(T), respectively, is discussed as a methodology to understand the austenite reversion and stabilization mechanisms. An ultra-fast heating rate of 500 °C s−1 provided isothermal austenite nucleation and growth from a fully solubilized martensite, allowing direct comparison with the compositional tie-lines and the transformation paths described by the free energy calculations. Isothermal transformation temperatures below and above T0 (625 °C) were used. Below T0, massive reversion was suppressed since it would imply a free energy increase. The opposite occurred above T0, since the critical Ni concentration for austenite reversion was lower than for the solubilized case. Transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography evidenced that, in all cases, lath growth occurred by local equilibrium partitioning of Ni, along with co-segregation of ferrite-stabilizing elements (Cr and Mo) at the advancing interface. The complex interaction between Cr, Ni and Mo on the energy gain upon nucleation of austenite revealed that Cr segregation can be beneficial while the adverse effect of Mo can be quickly outbalanced by Ni. The most stable reverted laths were obtained for transformation temperatures at least 15 °C below T0 with average austenite/martensite Ni partitioning factors higher than 2.0.