Advanced Multiphase High Strength Steels are generally obtained by applying isothermal treatments around the martensite start temperature (Ms). Previous investigations have shown that bainitic ferrite can form from austenite in isothermal treatments below Ms, where its formation kinetics is accelerated by the presence of the athermal martensite. That athermal martensite is tempered during the isothermal treatment, and fresh martensite may form during the final cooling to room temperature. The distinction between product phases present after the application of this type of heat treatments is difficult due to morphological similarities between these transformation products. The aim of this study is to characterize the structural and morphological features of the product phases obtained in isothermal treatments below the Ms-temperature in a low-carbon high-silicon steel. Multiphase microstructures, having controlled fractions of product phases, were developed by applying isothermal treatments above and below Ms, and were further studied by electron back scatter diffraction (EBSD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The bainitic or martensitic nature of these product phases is discussed based on this characterization. Results showed that bainitic ferrite appears in the form of acicular units and irregularly shaped laths. Tempered martensite appears as laths with a sharp tip and as relatively large elongated laths with wavy boundaries containing protrusions.
29 December 2015 in Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A
Thermomechanical processing of Advanced Multiphase High Strength Steels often includes isothermal treatments around the martensite start temperature (Ms). It has been reported that the presence of martensite formed prior to these isothermal treatments accelerates the kinetics of the subsequent transformation. This kinetic effect is commonly attributed to the creation of potential nucleation sites at martensite-austenite interfaces. The aim of this study is to determine qualitatively and quantitatively the effect of a small volume fraction of martensite on the nucleation kinetics of the subsequent transformation. For this purpose, dilatometry experiments were performed at different temperatures above and below the Ms temperature for athermal martensite in a low-carbon high-silicon steel. Microstructural analysis led to the identification of the isothermal decomposition product formed above and below Ms as bainitic ferrite. The analysis of the transformation processes demonstrated that the initial stage of formation of bainitic ferrite at heat treatments below Ms is at least two orders of magnitude faster than above Ms due to the presence of martensite.