Correlation between mechanical properties and retained austenite characteristics in a low-carbon medium manganese alloyed steel plate

The effects of retained austenite characteristics on tensile properties and low-temperature impact toughness have been investigated by means of transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. It was found that only part of austenite phase formed during heat treating was left at room temperature. Moreover, the film-like retained austenite is displayed between bcc-martensite laths after heat treating at 600 °C, while the block-form retained austenite with thin hcp-martensite laths is observed after heat treating at 650 °C. It has been demonstrated that the film-like retained austenite possesses relatively high thermal and mechanical stability, and it can greatly improve low-temperature impact toughness, but its contribution to strain hardening capacity is limited. However, the block-form retained austenite can greatly enhance ultimate tensile strength and strain hardening capacity, but its contribution to low-temperature impact toughness is poor.