Controlling austenite stability by substitutional alloying elements in QP route

ended

This proposal presents a new high temperature Quenching & Partitioning (Q&P) treatment where the stabilization of austenite is achieved not only by C diffusion but also by the diffusion of substitutional alloying elements. This innovative idea opens an unprecedented approach to produce martensite – austenite microstructures, which is expected to lead to a new 3rd generation advanced high strength steel family with enhanced formability. Investigations will combine advanced experimental techniques and the formulation of new models. It will lead to understand the partitioning behavior of substitutional elements in Q&P route and to determine the TRIP effect that an austenite stabilized by substitutionals can originate.