Influence of partitioning parameters on the mechanical stability of austenite in a Q&P steel: A comparative in-situ study

Abstract

The transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP)-effect is an efficient way to increase the formability in high performance steels. Hence, an optimal stability of the retained austenite is crucial to benefit the most from this effect. In the present work, in-situ high energy X-ray diffraction was used to study the austenite to martensite transformation upon uniaxial tensile loading of a TRIP-assisted steel produced by the quenching and partitioning (Q&P) process. A detailed analysis of the diffraction patterns recorded during deformation allowed to study the austenite stability with respect to the applied partitioning conditions. The austenite stability was found to strongly depend on the applied heat treatment, and could be mainly attributed to the carbon content and to the tempering degree of the surrounding martensitic matrix. Partitioning at 260 °C resulted in a poor austenite stability, while the austenite was almost too stable after partitioning at 360 °C. The optimal combination of strength and ductility was found for partitioning at 400 °C.