Development and characterization of lower, upper, and inverse bainite in an experimental 0.8wt.% C steel

Authors

  • Muhammad Ishtiaq Institute of Metallurgy & Materials Engineering, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Aqil Inam Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, University of the Punjab, 54590 Lahore, Pakistan
  • Hassan Munir Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, University of the Punjab, 54590 Lahore, Pakistan
  • Syed Muhammad Hadi Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, University of the Punjab, 54590 Lahore, Pakistan
  • Saif Haider Kayani Department of Aluminum, Korea Institute of Materials Science, 515058 Changwon, Repulic of Korea.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54693/piche.05125

Abstract

In this study, we have successfully developed lower, upper, and inverse bainite morphologies in a 0.8wt.% C steel through a meticulously designed heat treatment process. The steel underwent a precise sequence of thermal treatments, commencing with austenitization at 900 °C for 30 minutes, followed by austempering at temperatures of 400 °C, 480 °C, and 500 °C, each for a duration of 60 minutes. The deliberate adjustment of carbon content to a higher level played a pivotal role in facilitating the intriguing inverse bainitic transformation. Our findings, corroborated by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive x-ray diffraction analysis, unequivocally validate the successful formation of these unique
microstructures. Further insights emerge from the micro-Vickers hardness testing, which reveals the order of hardness among the samples. The upper bainite structure outperforms all, showcasing the highest hardness. Following closely is the enigmatic inverse bainite, trailed by lower bainite. The traditional ferrite-pearlite structure, which has long been a benchmark, lags
behind in terms of hardness. This research not only advances our understanding of the bainitic transformations in high-carbon steels but also highlights the potential for tailored material properties for various engineering applications.

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Published

2024-03-15

How to Cite

Ishtiaq, M., Inam, A., Munir, H., Hadi, S. M., & Kayani, S. H. (2024). Development and characterization of lower, upper, and inverse bainite in an experimental 0.8wt.% C steel. Journal of the Pakistan Institute of Chemical Engineers, 51(2). https://doi.org/10.54693/piche.05125

Issue

Vol. 51 No. 2 (2023): Journal of the Pakistan Institute of Chemical Engineers

Section

Articles

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