On the relationship between the multiphase microstructure and the mechanical properties of a 0.2C quenched and partitioned steel

Furthermore, a broad range of mechanical properties was obtained when varying the quenching temperatures and partitioning times. The direct contributions between Q&P microstructural constituents -such as retained austenite as well as tempered/fresh martensite- and resulting mechanical properties were scrutinized. This was critically discussed and compared to quenching and austempering (QAT) which is a more conventional processing route of stabilizing retained austenite at room temperature. Finally, Q&P steels were shown to exhibit an interesting balance between strength and ductility. The achievement of this interesting combination of mechanical properties was reached for much shorter processing times compared to QAT steels.