Retained austenite and tempered martensite embrittlement in medium carbon steels

Electron microscopy, diffraction and microanalysis, X-ray diffraction, and auger spectroscopy have been used to study quenched and quenched and tempered 0.3 pct carbon low alloy steels. Somein situ fracture studies were also carried out in a high voltage electron microscope. Tempered martensite embrittlement (TME) is shown to arise primarily as a microstructural constraint associated with decomposition of interlath retained austenite into M₃C filM_s upon tempering in the range of 250 °C to 400 °C. In addition, intralath Widmanstätten Fe₃C forms from epsilon carbide. The fracture is transgranular with respect to prior austenite. The sit11Ation is analogous to that in upper bainite. This TME failure is different from temper embrittlement (TE) which o°Curs at higher tempering temperatures (approximately 500 °C), and is not a microstructural effect but rather due to impurity segregation (principally sulfur in the present work) to prior austenite grain boundaries leading to intergranular fracture along those boundaries. Both failures can o°Cur in the same steels, depending on the tempering conditions.     

合金元素和工艺参数对热轧TRIP钢动态相变的影响

利用Gleeble热模拟试验机进行单轴压缩试验,研究了C-Mn-Si TRIP钢和C-Mn-Al-Si TRIP钢过冷奥氏体形变过程的组织演变,分析了合金元素和工艺参数对过冷奥氏体动态相变的影响.与等温相变相比,C-Mn-Si钢和C-MnAl-Si钢动态相变动力学明显加快.与C-Mn-Si钢相比,用质量分数约1%的Al替代Si后,C-Mn-Al-Si钢的A₃温度明显提高,在相同变形工艺条件下C-Mn-Al-Si钢过冷奥氏体动态相变较易发生,而C-Mn-Si钢动态相变得到的铁素体晶粒比较细小.减小动态相变前奥氏体晶粒尺寸,有利于过冷奥氏体动态相变的进行.提高过冷奥氏体形变时的变形温度或应变速率均对动态相变产生一定的阻碍作用,但影响不显著.     

Stress-assisted isothermal martensitic transformation: Application to TRIP steels

Low-temperature plastic flow in TRIP steels has been found to be controlled by stress-assisted isothermal martensitic transformation. For these conditions, the thermodynamics and kinetic theory of martensitic transformations leads directly to constitutive relations predicting the dependence of flow stress on temperature, strain, strain-rate, and stress-state, consistent with the observed behavior of TRIP steels. Guidelines are obtained for the control of temperature sensitivity, σ -ɛ curve shape, and stress-state effects to achieve novel mechanical properties.     

含磷TRIP钢的CCT图

为了探索合金元素在TRIP钢相变过程中的重要作用,利用金相、显微硬度等方法研究了四种不同合金成分C-Mn-Al-PTRIP钢的CCT图.结果表明:Al元素强烈地缩小奥氏体相区,提高Ac₃与Ms;Al元素促使CCT图左移和上移.P元素能够阻碍碳化物生成,当钢中P质量分数达到0.14%时,能显著地将CCT图中的珠光体区与贝氏体区右移;P元素对铁素体相变和马氏体相变没有显著的影响.结果还显示出随着冷却速率的增加,材料的显微硬度随之增加.对于每一种成分,超过其临界冷却速率时,将得到完全的马氏体组织.     

Experimental determination of the stability of retained austenite in low alloy TRIP steels

The stability of retained austenite is the most important parameter controlling the transformation plasticity effects in multiphase low alloy TRIP steels. In this work the thermodynamic stability of the retained austenite has been determined experimentally by measuring the M^σ_s temperature as a function of bainite isothermal transformation (BIT) temperature and time in two low alloy TRIP steels. A single-specimen temperature-variable tension test technique (SS-TV-TT) has been employed, which allowed to link the appearance of yield points in the stress-strain curve with the mechanically-induced martensitic transformation of the retained austenite. The results indicated that the M^σ_S temperature varies with BIT temperature and time. Higher austenite stability is associated with a BIT temperature of 400°C rather than 375°C. In addition, the chemical stabilization of the retained austenite associated with carbon enrichment from the growing bainite is lowered at short BIT times. This stability drop is due to carbide precipitation and comes earlier in the Nb-containing steel. At longer BIT times the retained austenite dispersion becomes finer and its stability rises due to size stabilization. The experimental results are in good agreement with model predictions within the range of anticipated carbon enrichment of the retained austenite and measured austenite particle size.     

2种含铝TRIP钢连续冷却转变动力学分析

用热膨胀法,通过对含1.5%w（Al）和含w（Al）1.0%＋w（Si）0.5%的2种TRIP钢的显微组织观察,绘制了2种不同w（Al）、w（Si）的TRIP钢的静态CCT曲线,研究了含Al TRIP钢在冷却过程中的相转变,分析了冷却速率及不同w（Al）对微观组织和贝氏体转变动力学的影响。结果表明,Al元素加速TRIP钢冷却时铁素体转变和贝氏体转变,但是推迟珠光体转变。     

In-situ analysis of retained austenite transformation in high-performance micro-alloyed TRIP steel

Microstructures and mechanical properties of Ti-V micro-alloyed TRIP( transformation-induced plasticity) steel with different compositions were investigated by tensile test,scanning electron microscopy( SEM),transmission electron microscopy( TEM),X-ray diffraction( XRD) and thermodynamic calculation( TC). The results indicated that the steel exhibited high ultimate tensile strength( 1 079MPa),sufficient ductility( 28%) and the highest product of strength and ductility( 30 212 MPa·%) heat treated after intercritical annealing at 800℃ for 3 min and bainitic annealing at 430 ℃ for 5 min. In addition,the change of volume fraction of retained austenite( VF-RA) versus tensile strain was measured using in-situ analysis by X-ray stress apparatus and micro-electronic universal testing machine. It was concluded that a-value could be used to evaluate the stability of retained austenite( S-RA) in the investigated Ti-V micro-alloyed TRIP steel. The smaller a-value indicated the higher stability of retained austenite( S-RA) and the higher mechanical properties of Ti-V micro-alloyed TRIP steel.     

Detailed study of the transformation mechanisms in ferrous TRIP aided steels

Development of TRIP aided ferrous alloys is one answer to the demand for weight decrease in the automotive industry. The microstructure of hot rolled and cold rolled TRIP steels is quite complex and the optimisation of such steel products requires a detailed understanding of the mechanisms of phase transformation, during thermomechanical treatment as well as during mechanical testing or metal forming. We present in this paper the results obtained at Irsid concerning the study of austenite stabilisation through bainitic transformation during thermal treatment and its transformation into martensite during mechanical testing. First of all, the characterisation methods are presented. An effort has to be put on this point due to the refinement of the microstructure of TRIP steels, especially the size of austenite and martensite islands. Carbon replicas for the observation by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are used to analyse the morphological features of the microstructure ‐ nature of the constituents, size and shape ‐ and the composition of cementite particles present in the steels. The mean value for this carbon content in retained austenite is deduced from X‐ray diffraction measurements. Then the kinetics of bainitic transformation are discussed as well as cementite precipitation. The typical composition of the steel studied is 0.5 % C, 1.5 % Mn. The use of 0.5 % C steels facilitates the study of bainitic transformation by avoiding the ferrite formation usually occurring in TRIP steels. Cementite nucleation appears at the ferrite/austenite interface without any partitionning of substitutional elements. To satisfy thermodynamic equilibrium at the interface, the silicon content on the cementite side is very low and high on the austenite side. Then, carbon diffusion towards austenite is delayed and, as a consequence, cementite growth is also delayed. As the diffusion kinetics are low at 400 °C, cementite keeps this “non partitioned” composition, even after 3 hours holding. At 500 °C, diffusion kinetics are higher and cementite composition approaches that predicted by equilibrium. Finally, the stability of retained austenite during mechanical testing is studied. Before and after mechanical testing the morphological characteristics of the microstructure (austenite island size and elongation) are analysed by TEM replicas and image analysis. There is a high density of very small austenite islands but they represent only a small fraction of the total retained austenite. These results confirm and quantify the size effect on austenite stabilisation during deformation.     

The effect of retained austenite on the fracture toughness of high-speed steels

The aim of this work was to find the quantitative dependences between fracture toughness K_lc and the volume fraction of retained austenite in the matrix of quenched high-speed steels. The tests were carried out on three model alloys of a different content quotient of Mo: W which, after quenching, were gradually supercooled up to ? 196°C and then tempered at 450°C. Also the measurements of the content of retained austenite in the vicinity of the surface of a sample fracture were carried out. It was determined that after tempering at 450°C the fracture toughness of the matrix of high-speed steels is directly proportional to the content of retained austenite in it. Every 1 % by volume of retained austenite increases the fracture toughness K_lc of the matrix by about 5%, despite the fact that most probably it is completely transformed into fresh martensite in front of a propagating crack. Higher fracture toughness of the matrix of high-speed steels rich in molybdenum should be explained exlusively by a larger content of retained austenite. Transformations in the martensitic part of the matrix of the alloys richer in molybdenum clearly reduce the advantageous effect of retained austenite on this steel feature.     

Effect of molybdenum on the kinetics of phase transformation of undercooled austenite in high-speed steels under continuous cooling

The aim of these investigations was to determine the effect of the ratio % Mo to % W in the austenite of high-speed steels on the kinetics of its transformation under continuous cooling. The investigations were carried out on model alloys. Three CCT curves were drawn. Also the influence of cooling velocity on the volume fraction of retained austenite in high-speed steels was evaluated. It was determined that with the increase of the Mo content in the high-speed steel matrix the M_S temperature decreases and the fraction of retained austenite increases, the development of the bainite transformation decreases and the stability of austenite increases in the range of diffusion transformations. With an increased cooling rate, the volume fraction of retained austenite decreases at first and then it increases. These changes are caused by the precipitation of carbides from undercooled austenite and can give rise to the differences in the content of retained austenite on the cross-section of quenched tools.     

含Nb低碳Si-Mn系TRIP钢的连续冷却转变

利用Gleeble-1500热应力/应变模拟机研究了Nb对低碳Si-Mn系TRIP钢连续冷却转变的影响,测定了含nb和不含Nb两种低碳Si-Mn系TRIP钢的连续冷却转变(CCT)曲线,结果表明:Nb的加入使得静态CCT曲线上移;动态CCT曲线下移.试验结果可为TRIP钢的TMCP(Thermo-Mechnical Control Processing)工艺提供理论依据.     

The influence of austenite strength upon the austenite-martensite transformation in alloy steels

The resistance of austenite to plastic deformation (austenite flow stress) was measured using a high temperature tensile apparatus. The flow stress was then correlated with the M_s temperature as determined magnetically during subsequent cooling. In one part of the study, the flow stress of the austenite was varied only by work hardening the austenite, allowing the austenite composition, which is known to affect M_s, to be held constant. A decrease in M_s temperature with increasing austenite flow stress was observed. This observation was supported by the observation of a decrease in the amount of austenite transformed at 25°C. In the other part of the study, a series of alloy steels of different chemical compositions was tested. A decrease in M_s temperature with increasing austenite flow stress was again observed. Strengthening of austenite by plastic deformation was shown not to change the chemical driving force for transformation. The effect of deformation on M_s temperature thus results from its influence on either the nucleation or the growth process. While the effect of austenite deformation on martensite nucleation is uncertain, specific nucleation models can account for only approximately one-third of the nonchemical free energy change which accompanies transformation. A proposal, consistent with the observations, was made that the energy expended for the deformation of austenite during martensite plate growth could reasonably account for a substantial part of the nonchemical free energy change.     

On the lattice deformation in martensite transformation of steel

Simple mathematical expressions for the lattice deformation process of martensite transformation of steel are developed to generally treat so far proposed deformation mechanisms, such as the uniform 19 deg 28 min shear, half dislocation motion, and shuffling of (111)f planes in direction, and the concerned lattice structures,i.e. fee, hep, bcc, and their modifications. All possible transformation paths are examined by this method, and four paths including a new proposal by the author are considered the reasonable ones as far as the theory is concerned. Four important experimental facts,i.e. the lattice parameter anomalies at low temperatures, octahedral and tetrahedral interstitial carbon occupancy, intermediate bcc modification structure with six layers, and premartensitic phenomena in steel, are introduced and compared with the above transformation mechanisms, and the best interpretations of them are given by the newly proposed lattice deformation mechanism through the intermediate six layer structure.     

The relationship between austenite strength and the transformation to martensite in Fe-10 pct Ni-0.6 pct C alloys

The effect of austenite yield strength on the transformation to martensite was investigated in Fe-10 pct Ni-0.6 pct C alloys. The strength of the austenite was varied by 1) additions of yttrium oxide particles to the base alloy and 2) changing the austenitizing temperature. The austenite strength was measured at three temperatures above theM _s temperature and the data extrapolated to the experimentally determinedM _s temperature. It is shown that the austenite yield strength is determined primarily by the austenite grain size and that the yttrium oxide additions influence the effect of austenitizing temperature on grain size. As the austenite yield strength increases, both theM _s temperature and the amount of transformation product at room temperature decrease. The effect of austenitizing temperature on the transformation is to determine the austenite grain size. The results are consistent with the proposal¹ that the energy required to overcome the resistance of the austenite to plastic deformation is a substantial portion of the non-chemical free energy or restraining force opposing the transformation to martensite.     

Low‐alloy TRIP steels: a correlation between mechanical properties and the retained austenite stability

In recent years the technology of low‐alloy TRIP steels has considerably advanced. The mechanical properties are characterised by a combination of high yield strength and high uniform elongation as well as enhanced formability. In the present work an effort to correlate mechanical properties with the retained austenite stability was made. Two low‐alloy TRIP steels were investigated. The first of them represents a typical composition of the low‐alloy TRIP steels, while the other one contains aluminum as alloying element. The influence of the heat treatment on the mechanical properties and especially on the amount and stability of the retained austenite was determined. The retained austenite stability was measured with a single specimen technique, in which a tensile specimen was used to determine the M^σ_S temperature with a loading‐unloading procedure. The results showed that there is a strong influence of the stability of the retained austenite on the mechanical properties. Increased stability combined with a high amount of retained austenite, exhibited an increase in both, yield strength and uniform elongation while increased amount of retained austenite with low stability did not show the same good combination of mechanical properties. The results clearly indicate that in order to get the maximum TRIP effect, a good combination of austenite stability and amount is required.