Evolution of Mechanical Properties and Microstructure in Q&P Processed Unconventional Medium-Carbon Silicon Steel and Comparison between Q&P Processing, Quenching and Tempering, and Austemperingfor

The quenching and partitioning (Q&P) process is an advanced method of heat treatment high-strength steels. resulting properties Q&P-processed steels are dictated by their microstructure which consists tempered martensite, fresh martensite retained austenite (RA). These phases arise from individual steps the Q&P-process. An important step stabilization austen-ite because RA raises ductility to above levels found in conventional upon tempering. If desired stability be achieved, Q&P processing must not initiate compet-ing processes associated with carbide precipitation or decomposition into bainite-like mi-crostructure. Yet, it appears that very bainite accompanying takes place at stage, stage plays role terms mechanical