Structural Aspect of Isothermal Bainitic Transformation in High-Carbon Manganese–Silicon Steel

Abstract

Transmission and scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis were used to compare the structural states of high-carbon manganese–silicon steel which underwent low-temperature isothermal bainitic and martensitic transformations. It was shown that bainite consisting of thin α-phase plates and residual austenite interlayers forms during isothermal holding at 300°С. As the isothermal holding time increases, fine carbide particles precipitate within the bainite α-phase.