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Using both experimental and modeling approaches, we give some clarifications regarding the mechanisms of interaction between ferrite recrystallization and austenite formation in cold-rolled high-strength steels. Using different thermal paths, we show that ferrite recrystallization and austenite formation can be strongly interdependent. The nature of the interaction (weak or strong) affects significantly the austenite formation and the resulting microstructure. We show that the kinetics of austenite formation depends intrinsically on both heating rates and the extent of ferrite recrystallization. An unexpected behavior of austenite growth was also seen at high heating rates. A possible explanation is presented based on the nature of the local equilibrium at the ferrite-austenite interface. The microstructure is more heterogeneous and anisotropic when both austenite formation and ferrite recrystallization overlap. A mechanism of microstructural formation is proposed, and this is supported by 2D simulations' images.

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We elaborated two carbide-free bainitic steels with different microstructures through specific alloy design and austempering process. Microstructural characterizations were performed by means of EBSD analysis and in-situ high energy synchrotron diffraction in order to evaluate the phase fractions and the carbon content in the retained austenite, as well as the microtextures. These microstructural features were correlated to the tensile properties. Both steels exhibited an excellent compromise between high strength (above 1 250 MPa), good ductility (uniform elongation up to 14%) and high fracture strain (reduction of area up to 46%). The volume fraction of MA blocks (blocks of retained austenite partially transformed into fresh martensite during the final cooling at room temperature) was a key relevant parameter that strongly influenced the work-hardening at the expense of the damaging processes at high strain.

The kinetics of Hg(II) and methyl red (MR) reduction by hydroxycarbonate green rust (GR1) and by hydroxysulfate green rust (GR2) were studied in the presence of naturally occurring organic and inorganic ligands (phosphate, polyacrylic acid, bacterial cells, silicate). The reducing ability of biogenic hydroxycarbonate green rust (GR1bio), obtained after microbial reduction of lepidocrocite by Shewanella putrefaciens, was also investigated and compared to those of chemically synthesized GR1 and GR2 (GR1ab and GR2ab). Pseudo first-order rate constants (kobs) of Hg(II) reduction (at pH 7.0, 8.2, and 9.5) and MR reduction (at pH 7.0) were determined and were normalized to the structural Fe(II) content of GRs (kFeII) and to the estimated concentration of surface Fe(II) sites (kS). The kS values ranged from 0.3 L mmol(-1) min(-1) to 43 L mmol(-1) min(-1) for the Hg reduction, and from 0.007 L mmol(-1) min(-1) to 3.4 L mmol(-1) min(-1) for the MR reduction. No significant discrepancy between GRab and GRbio was observed in term of reactivity. However, the reduction kinetics of MR was generally slower than the Hg(II) reduction kinetics for all tested GRs. While a slight difference in Hg(II) reduction rate was noted whatever the pH values (7.0, 8.2, or 9.5), the reduction of MR was significantly affected in the presence of ligands. A decrease by a factor of 2-200, depending on the type of ligand used, was observed. These data give new insights into the reactivity of GRs in the presence of co-occurring organic and inorganic ligands, and have major implications in the characterization of contaminated systems as well as water treatment processes.

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