Influence of Mn and Ni on Austenite Stabilization during a High Temperature Q&P Treatment

The aim of this work was to study the influence of quenching and partitioning temperatures combined with various levels of Mn and Ni contents on the austenite stabilization along the quenching and partitioning (Q&P) cycle. Three steels with 2 wt.%, 4 wt.% and 6 wt.% manganese and one steel with 2 wt.% nickel content were investigated. Phase transformation temperatures and critical cooling rates were obtained experimentally using dilatometer for each alloy. Q&P cycles with different quenching and partitioning temperatures were also done in dilatometer, thus, allowing monitoring of the expansion/contraction during the whole Q&P cycle. Microstructure characterization was performed by means of a Scanning Electron Microscope and X-Ray Diffraction to measure retained austenite content. It was found that, strongly depending on the Q&P conditions, austenite stabilization or decomposition occurs during partitioning and final cooling. In case of high partitioning temperature cycles, austenite reverse transformation was observed. Certain cycles resulted in a very effective austenite stabilization and interesting microstructure.