Effect of austempering on transformation induced plasticity of hot rolled multiphase steels

Effect of austempering on the transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) of hot rolled multiphase steel was investigated. Polygonal ferrite, granular bainite, and a large amount of stabilized retained austenite could be obtained in the hot rolled multiphase steel. Strain induced martensite transformation (SIMT) of retained austenite and TRIP effectively occur under straining owing to austempering after hot rolling, and mechanical properties of the present steel remain at a relatively high constant value for austempering at 400°C. The mechanical properties of the steel exhibited a good combination of tensile strength (791MPa) and total elongation (36%) because the stability of retained austenite is optimal when the steel is held for 20min.