Microstructural modifications and changes in mechanical properties during cyclic heat treatment of 0.16% carbon steel

► A typical cyclic heat treatment technique is applied on low carbon steel. ► Grain refinement, dislocation generation and annihilation are observed. ► Divorced eutectoidal reaction mainly causes cementite network generation. ► Its effect on spheroidization is not so significant. ► Quite a high strength is achieved with two cycles of heat treatment.