Effects of Compositional Inhomogeneity on the Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of a Low Carbon Steel Processed by Quenching-Partitioning-Tempering Treatment

Quenching-partitioning-tempering (Q-P-T) heat treatment is a relatively novel approach to attain excellent ductility in high-strength steels. In the present work, microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of low carbon microalloyed advanced steel were systematically investigated after Q-P-T process. The was explored by employing X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy scanning microscopy. results indicate that multiphase microstructures strongly depend on both initial microstructure processing parameters quenching partitioning process, especially temperature. Compositional inhomogeneity during process microstructures, which steels may be impacted distribution heterogeneous austenite phase matrix.