Microstructural evolution during ultrafast heat treament of medium carbon steels

Conference paper (2015)

Authors

S. Papaefthymiou National Technical University of Athens
C. Goulas Material Innovation Institute (M2i), (OLD) MSE-3
F. Castro Cerda Universiteit Gent, Universidad de Santiago de Chile
J. Sietsma (OLD) MSE-3
R.H. Petrov (OLD) MSE-3 , Universiteit Gent
Research Group
(OLD) MSE-3
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Published Date

2015

Language

English

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Research Group

(OLD) MSE-3

Abstract

The initial microstructure, its local composition and phase morphology determines the final microstructure in ultra fast heat treatment processes (UFHT). In the present study, we designed and performed, via dilatometry, UFHT processes involving heating rates higher than 250°C/s, peak austenitization and helium quenching. This UFHT leads to a carbon gradient within the austenite, as confirmed by thermodynamic and diffusion calculations. With microscopic techniques we shed light on the microstructure evolution of steels with different compositions and initial microstructures. The most commonly achieved microstructure from UFHT in medium-carbon-steels is a mixture of fine bainite and martensite. Partially dissolved cementite, carbides and other microstructural features could be identified as similar to the original, even after UFHT.