Innovation and Processing of Novel Tough Ductile Ultra-High Strength Steels through TMR-DQP Processing Route

Based on the recent concept of quenching and partitioning (Q&P), a novel TMR-DQP (thermomechanical rolling followed by direct quenching and partitioning) processing route has been established for the development of ultra-high strength structural steels with yield strengths ≈1100 MPa combined with good uniform and total elongations and impact toughness. Suitable compositions were designed based on high silicon and/or aluminium contents with or without small additions of Nb, Mo or Ni. The DQP parameters were established with the aid of physical simulation on a Gleeble simulator. Finally, the TMR-DQP processing route was designed for trials on a laboratory rolling mill. Metallographic studies showed that the desired martensite-austenite microstructures were achieved thus providing the targeted mechanical properties. The advantage of strained austenite in refining the martensite packets/blocks was clearly evident. No adverse effect of prolonged partitioning simulating the coiling stage has been noticed suggesting new possibilities for strip and plate products. Promising results in respect of microstructures and mechanical properties indicate that there are possibilities for developing tough ductile structural steels through the TMR-DQP route.