A novel design: Partitioning achieved by quenching and tempering (Q–T & P) in an aluminium-added low-density steel

In this research a novel concept, quenching and tempering-associated partitioning (Q–T & P), has been proposed by a new alloy design with a 3.5 wt.% aluminium addition, in which the quenching temperature is designed at ambient temperature and the initial phase constitution is adjusted through the Ms temperature by alloy design and intercritical annealing. In addition, with regard to the partitioning achieved by the simple quenching and tempering heat treatment, the new Q–T & P is approximate 5% lighter than conventional treatment.