Research

Optimization of Processing, Microstructure, and Performance of Q&P Steels

Abstract

Quenched and partitioned (Q&P) steels are martensite/austenite high strength, formable steels employed for manufacture of lighter vehicle structures. Optimization of heat treat process variables has involved efforts to maximize the amount of retained austenite and the carbon concentration of the austenite. Few studies have been reported that examine the influence of “upstream” processing steps on the heat treating response, microstructure and performance of Q&P steels. Thus, the influence of retained austenite characteristics on the properties of Q&P steels are investigated using a 0.17C-2.8Mn-1.5Si steel with systematic variations in key processing conditions (hot band coiling temperature, and hot band thickness and associated cold reduction). The influence of prior processing and microstructure on the heat treating response are investigated using Q&P processing conditions representative of continuous galvanizing.

Conference Presentations

TMS 2020 - San Diego

“Influence of Prior Processing on the Response to Quenching & Partitioning”, C.M. Gilliams, J.G. Speer, K.O. Findley, R. Thiessen

Publications

In progress