Investigation of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ultra High Strength Bainitic Steel

Abstract

In this study, medium carbon low alloy steel was used to obtain bainitic structures. The lower bainite and tempered martensite-lower bainite structures were achieved by isothermal austempering and up quenching treatment, respectively. Based on the results obtained these structures showed a very good combination of strength and toughness. Furthermore, it has been shown that austenitization time and temperature, as well as austempering time and temperature play a major role in achieving ultra-high strength bainitic steels.