The Effect of a Partitioning Process on the Reversed Austenite and Mechanical Properties of Fe-13Cr-3Ni-2Cu-0.1C Alloy

A quenching–tempering–partitioning (Q–T–P) process was performed on a Fe-13Cr-3Ni-2Cu-0.1C alloy to investigate the effect of the partitioning process on the reversed austenite and mechanical properties. A quenching and tempering (Q–T) process was also carried out for comparison. The amount and characteristics of the reversed austenite were studied with XRD and TEM. The results showed that the volume fraction of reversed austenite in the Q–T–P-treated samples was higher than that in the Q–T-treated ones. Finer film-like and blocky austenite formed in the Q–T–P-treated samples, and fine Cu-rich precipitates were also well distributed in the matrix. However, wide band and blocky austenite formed in the Q–T-treated samples. Hence, the Q–T–P-treated samples had better comprehensive mechanical properties than the Q–T-treated ones.