Abstract

The influence of martensite on the transformation rate of bainite as well as enhancement of various properties is well established, yet the combined influence of both the primary martensite and low temperature ausforming below the martensite start temperature (M_S) on the characteristics of microstructural evolution comprising ultrafine/nanostructured bainite, martensite and retained austenite (RA) in medium C steels has not been unambiguously clarified. A series of physical simulation experiments involving isothermal holding at various temperatures below and above the M_S was conducted with or without prior ausforming (∼0.5 strain, 0.5 s⁻¹ strain rate) in order to assess the influence of ausforming on subsequent transformation behaviour. The results suggest that when ausforming was applied above M_S, it not only accelerated the bainite transformation kinetics, but also initiated strain-induced bainite/martensite formation. At temperatures below M_S, prior ausforming did hinder the onset of bainite transformation, but the transformation rates were faster suggesting the strain-induced acceleration in kinetics. Due to a remarkable refinement of the bainitic structure achieved by prior ausforming in samples held below M_S, the Vickers hardness improved appreciably unlike in the case of samples held above M_S. Ausforming promoted significant refinement and uniformity of the bainitic plates, and also the orientations of the plates became more randomized. The dislocation density of RA decreased with the reduced content of secondary (fresh) martensite that formed during final cooling to room temperature.