Quenching and Partitioning of CMnSi Steels Containing Elevated Manganese Levels

Quenching and partitioning (Q&P) is receiving increased attention as a potential processing route to develop “Third Generation” advanced high strength steel (AHSS) properties. The Q&P process consists of quenching a steel from a reheat temperature to a pre‐determined temperature in the M_s ? M_f temperature region followed by a so‐called partitioning treatment at the quench temperature or higher. The present contribution investigates the Q&P response of laboratory‐processed CMnSi alloys with 3 or 5 wt% manganese. Samples were processed at quench temperatures between 70 and 250°C with partitioning temperatures of 400 and 450°C for times up to 100 s. Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction were utilized to evaluate the Q&P microstructures. Attractive properties were generated with tensile strength/total elongation combinations such as 1500 MPa and 17%.