Quench Temperature-Dependent Mechanical Properties During Nonisothermal Partitioning

The present study demonstrates the role of hot rolling and quench temperature in determining the mechanical properties of low alloy steel processed through quenching and nonisothermal partitioning (Q&P) route. The results indicate that the abrasive wear resistance does not show any significant variation with quench temperature. However, a reduction in tensile strength and an increase in charpy impact toughness and elongation is observed with increasing quench temperature. Interestingly, the retained austenite shows high thermal stability at sub-zero temperature. Furthermore, during deformation through the wear process, the retained austenite experiences the TRIP effect that leads to improvement in wear resistance. The incorporation of hot rolling prior to Q&P led to a significant improvement in strength, energy absorption capability and wear resistance due to a considerable refinement of the microstructural constituents.