Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Recent progress in third-generation low alloy steels developed under M3 microstructure control

  • Invited Review
  • Published:
International Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy and Materials Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

During the past thirty years, two generations of low alloy steels (ferrite/pearlite followed by bainite/martensite) have been developed and widely used in structural applications. The third-generation of low alloy steels is expected to achieve high strength and improved ductility and toughness, while satisfying the new demands for weight reduction, greenness, and safety. This paper reviews recent progress in the development of third-generation low alloy steels with an M3 microstructure, namely, microstructures with multi-phase, meta-stable austenite, and multi-scale precipitates. The review summarizes the alloy designs and processing routes of microstructure control, and the mechanical properties of the alloys. The stabilization of retained austenite in low alloy steels is especially emphasized. Multi-scale nano-precipitates, including carbides of microal-loying elements and Cu-rich precipitates obtained in third-generation low alloy steels, are then introduced. The structure–property relationships of third-generation alloys are also discussed. Finally, the promises and challenges to future applications are explored.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. H.L. Fan, A.M. Zhao, Q.C. Li, H. Guo, and J.G. He, Effects of ausforming strain on bainite transformation in nanostructured bainite steel, Int. J. Miner. Metall. Mater., 24(2017), No. 3, p. 264.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. B. Avishan, Effect of prolonged isothermal heat treatment on the mechanical behavior of advanced NANOBAIN steel, Int. J. Miner. Metall. Mater, 24 (2017), No. 9, p. 1010.

  3. S.G. Hashemi and B. Eghbali, Analysis of the formation conditions and characteristics of interphase and random vanadium precipitation in a low-carbon steel during isothermal heat treatment, Int. J. Miner. Metall. Mater, 25(2018), No. 3, p. 339.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. D.L. Li, G.Q. Fu, M.Y. Zhu, Q. Li, and C.X. Yin, Effect of Ni on the corrosion resistance of bridge steel in a simulated hot and humid coastal-industrial atmosphere, Int. J. Miner. Metall. Mater, 25(2018), No. 3, p. 325.

  5. B. Shahriari, R. Vafaei, E.M. Sharifi, and K. Farmanesh, Aging behavior of a copper-bearing high-strength low-carbon steel, Int. J. Miner. Metall. Mater, 25(2018), No. 4, p. 429.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Y.Q. Weng, C.J. Shang, and C.F. Yan, State-of-the-art and development trends of HSLA steels in China, Iron Steel, 46(2011), No. 9, p. 1.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. H. Dong, M.Q. Wang, and Y.Q. Weng, Performance improvement of steels through M3 structure control, Iron Steel, 45(2010), No. 7, p. 1.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Y.F. Shen, Y.D. Liu, X. Sun, Y.D. Wang, L. Zuo, and R.D.K. Misra, Improved ductility of a transformation-induced-plasticity steel by nanoscale austenite lamellae, Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 583(2013), p. 1.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. P.J. Jacques, Transformation-induced plasticity for high strength formable steels, Curr Opin. Solid State Mater. Sci., 8(2004), No. 3–4, p. 259.

  10. J.G. Speer, D.V. Edmonds, F.C. Rizzo, and D.K. Matlock, Partitioning of carbon from supersaturated plates of ferrite, with application to steel processing and fundamentals of the bainite transformation, Curr. Opin. Solid State. Mater. Sci., 8(2004), No. 3–4, p. 219.

    Google Scholar 

  11. J. Speer, D.K. Matlock, B.C. De Cooman, and J.G. Schroth, Carbon partitioning into austenite after martensite transformation, Acta Mater., 51(2003), No. 9, p. 2611.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. R.L. Miller, Ultrafine-grained microstructures and mechanical properties of alloy steels, Metall. Mater. Trans. B, 3(1972), No. 4, p. 905.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. HW. Luo, J. Shi, C. Wang, W.Q. Cao, X.J. Sun, and H. Dong, Experimental and numerical analysis on formation of stable austenite during the intercritical annealing of 5Mn steel, Acta Mater., 59(2011), No. 10, p. 4002.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. R.D.K. Misra, V.S.A. Challa, P.K.C. Venkatsurya, Y.F. Shen, M.C. Somani, and L.P. Karjalainen, Interplay between grain structure, deformation mechanisms and austenite stability in phase-reversion-induced nanograined/ul-trafine-grained austenitic ferrous alloy, Acta Mater, 84(2015), p. 339.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. T. Lee, M. Koyama, K. Tsuzaki, Y.H. Lee, and C.S. Lee, Tensile deformation behavior of Fe-Mn-C TWIP steel with ultrafine elongated grain structure, Mater. Lett., 75(2012), p. 169.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. W.H. Zhou, XL. Wang, P.K.C. Venkatsurya, H. Guo, C.J. Shang, and R.D.K. Misra, Structure-mechanical property relationship in a high strength low carbon alloy steel processed by two-step intercritical annealing and intercritical tempering, Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 607(2014), p. 569.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. W.H. Zhou, H. Guo, Z.J. Xie, X.M. Wang, and C.J. Shang, High strength low-carbon alloyed steel with good ductility by combining the retained austenite and nano-sized precipitates, Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 587(2013), p. 365.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. W.H. Zhou, H. Guo, Z.J. Xie, C.J. Shang, and R.D.K. Misra, Copper precipitation and its impact on mechanical properties in a low carbon microalloyed steel processed by a three-step heat treatment, Mater. Des., 63(2014), p. 42.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Z.J. Xie, S.F. Yuan, W.H. Zhou, J.R. Yang, H. Guo, and C.J. Shang, Stabilization of retained austenite by the two-step intercritical heat treatment and its effect on the toughness of a low alloyed steel, Mater. Des., 59(2014), p. 193.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Z.J. Xie, L. Xiong, G. Han, XL. Wang, and C.J. Shang, Thermal stability of retained austenite and properties of a multi-phase low alloy steel, Metals, 8(2018), No. 10, p. 807.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Z.J. Xie, G. Han, W.H. Zhou, CY. Zeng, and C.J. Shang, Study of retained austenite and nano-scale precipitation and their effects on properties of a low alloyed multi-phase steel by the two-step intercritical treatment, Mater. Charact, 113(2016), p. 60.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. G. Han, Z.J. Xie, L. Xiong, C.J. Shang, and R.D.K. Msra, Evolution of nano-size precipitation and mechanical properties in a high strength-ductility low alloy steel through intercritical treatment, Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 705(2017), p. 89.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. G. Han, Z.J. Xie, B. Lei, W.Q. Liu, H.H. Zhu, Y. Yan, R.D.K. Misra, and C.J. Shang, Simultaneous enhancement of strength and plasticity by nano B2 clusters and nano-γ phase in a low carbon low alloy steel, Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 730(2018), p. 119.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. W.J. Nie, X.M. Wang, S.J. Wu, H.L. Guan, and C.J. Shang, Stress-strain behavior of multi-phase high performance structural steel, Sci. China Technol. Sci, 55(2012), No. 7, p. 1791.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. J. Shi, X.J. Sun, M.Q. Wang, W.J. Hui, H. Dong, and W.Q. Cao, Enhanced work-hardening behavior and mechanical properties in ultrafine-grained steels with large-fractioned metastable austenite, Scripta Mater., 63(2010), No. 8, p. 815.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Z.J. Xie, C.J. Shang, W.H. Zhou, and B.B. Wu, Effect of retained austenite on ductility and toughness of a low alloyed multi-phase steel, Acta Metall. Sin., 52(2016), No. 2, p. 224.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. K.J. Kim and L.H. Schwartz, On the effects of intercritical tempering on the impact energy of Fe-9Ni-0.1C, Mater. Sci. Eng., 33(1978), No. 1, p. 5.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. C.A. Pampillo and H.W. Paxton, The effect of reverted austenite on the mechanical properties and toughness of 12 Ni and 18 Ni (200) maraging steels, Metall. Mater. Trans. B, 3(1972), No. 11, p. 2895.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. S.D. Antolovich and B. Singh, On the toughness increment associated with the austenite to martensite phase transformation in TRIP steels, Metall. Mater. Trans. B, 2(1971), No. 8, p. 2135.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. W.H. Zhou, Z.J. Xie, H. Guo, and C.J. Shang, Regulation of multi-phase microstructure and mechanical properties in a 700 MPa grade low carbon lowalloy steel with good ductility, Acta Metall. Sin., 51(2015), No. 4, p. 407.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. M. Mukherjee, S. Tiwari, and B. Bhattacharya, Evaluation of factors affecting the edge formability of two hot rolled multiphase steels, Int. J. Miner. Metall. Mater, 25(2018), No. 2, p. 199.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. C.F. Kuang, ZW. Zheng, M.L. Wang, Q. Xu, and SG. Zhan, Effect of hot-dip galvanizing processes on the micro-structure and mechanical properties of 600-MPa hot-dip galvanized dual-phase steel, Int. J. Miner. Metall. Mater, 24(2017), No. 12, p. 1379.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Z.J. Xie, Y.P. Fang, G. Han, H. Guo, R.D.K. Misra, and C.J. Shang, Structure-property relationship in a 960 MPa grade ultrahigh strength low carbon niobium-vanadium mi-croalloyed steel: The significance of high frequency induction tempering, Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 618(2014), p. 112.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. S. Van Der Zwaag, L. Zhao, S.O Kruijver, and J. Sietsma, Thermal and mechanical stability of retained austenite in aluminum-containing multiphase TRIP steels, ISIJ Int., 42(2002), No. 12, p. 1565.

    Google Scholar 

  35. D.V. Edmonds, K. He, F.C. Rizzo, B.C. De Cooman, D.K. Matlock, and J.G. Speer, Quenching and partitioning martensite—A novel steel heat treatment, Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 438-440(2006), p. 25.

    Google Scholar 

  36. C.K. Syn, B. Fultz, and J.W. Morris, Mechanical stability of retained austenite in tempered 9Ni steel, Metall. Trans. A, 9(1978), No. 11, p. 1635.

    Google Scholar 

  37. B. Fultz, J.I. Kim, Y.H. Kim, and JW. Morris, The chemical composition of precipitated austenite in 9Ni steel, Metall. Trans. A, 17(1986), No. 6, p. 967.

    Google Scholar 

  38. B. Fultz, J.I. Kim, Y.H. Kim, H.J. Kim, G.O Fior, and JW. Morris, The stability of precipitated austenite and the toughness of 9Ni steel, Metall. Trans. A, 16(1985), No. 12, p. 2237.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Y.H. Yang, QW. Cai, D. Tang, and H.B. Wu, Precipitation and stability of reversed austenite in 9Ni steel, Int. J. Miner. Metall. Mater, 17(2010), No. 5, p. 587.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. H.F. Xu, J. Zhao, W.Q. Cao, J. Shi, C.Y. Wang, C. Wang, J. Li, and H. Dong, Heat treatment effects on the micro-structure and mechanical properties of a medium manganese steel (0.2C-5Mn), Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 532(2012), p. 435.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Y.K. Lee and J. Han, Current opinion in medium manganese steel, Mater. Sci. Technol, 31(2015), No. 7, p. 843.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. J. Hu, LX. Du, W. Xu, J.H. Zhai, Y. Dong, Y.J. Liu, and R.D.K. Msra, Ensuring combination of strength, ductility and toughness in medium-manganese steel through optimization of nano-scale metastable austenite, Mater. Charact, 136(2018), p. 20.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Z.J. Xie, C.J. Shang, S.V. Subramanian, X.P. Ma, and R.D.K. Misra, Atom probe tomography and numerical study of austenite stabilization in a low carbon low alloy steel processed by two-step intercritical heat treatment, Scripta Mater, 137(2017), p. 36.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. S. Takaki, K. Fukunaga, J. Syarif, and T. Tsuchiyama, Effect of grain refinement on thermal stability of metastable austenitic steel, Mater. Trans., 45(2004), No. 7, p. 2245.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. B.H. Jiang, L.M. Sun, R.C. Li, and T.Y. Hsu, Influence of austenite grain size on γ-ε martensitic transformation temperature in Fe-Mn-Si alloys, Scripta Metall. Mater, 33(1995), No. 1, p. 63.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. H.S. Yang and H.K.D.H. Bhadeshia, Austenite grain size and the martensite-start temperature, Scripta Mater, 60(2009), No. 7, p. 493.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. E. Jimenez-Melero, N.H. Van Dijk, L. Zhao, J. Sietsma, S.E. Offerman, J.P. Wright, and S. van der Zwaag, Martensitic transformation of individual grains in low-alloyed TRIP steels, Scripta Mater, 56(2007), No. 5, p. 421.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. S. Hashimoto, S. Ikeda, K.I. Sugimoto, and S. Myake, Effects of Nb and Mo addition to 0.2%C-1.5%Si-1.5%Mn steel on mechanical properties of hot rolled TRIP-aided steel sheets, ISIJ Int., 44(2004), No. 9, p. 1590.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. J. Heslop and N.J. Petch, The ductile-brittle transition in the fracture of α-iron: II, Philos. Mag., 3(1958), No. 34, p. 1128.

    Google Scholar 

  50. N.J. Petch, The ductile-brittle transition in the fracture of α-iron: I, Philos. Mag., 3(1958), No. 34, p. 1089.

    Google Scholar 

  51. S.D. Antolovich, A. Saxena, and G.R. Chanani, Increased fracture toughness in a 300 grade maraging steel as a result of thermal cycling, Metall. Trans., 5(1974), No. 3, p. 623.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. XL. Gui, K.K. Wang, G.H. Gao, R.D.K. Msra, Z.L. Tan, and B.Z. Bai, Rolling contact fatigue of bainitic rail steels: The significance of microstructure, Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 657(2016), p. 82.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. G.H. Gao, B.X. Zhang, C. Cheng, P. Zhao, H. Zhang, and B.Z. Bai, Very high cycle fatigue behaviors of bainite/martensite multiphase steel treated by quenching-partitioning-tempering process, Int. J. Fatigue, 92(2016), p. 203.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. X.L. Wang, Y.R. Nan, Z.J. Xie, Y.T. Tsai, J.R. Yang, and C.J. Shang, Influence of welding pass on microstructure and toughness in the reheated zone of multi-pass weld metal of 550 MPa offshore engineering steel, Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 702(2017), p. 196.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. X.L. Wang, L.M. Dong, WW. Yang, Y. Zhang, X.M. Wang, and C.J. Shang, Effect of Mn. Ni, Moproportion on microstructure and mechanical properties of weld metal of K65 pipeline steel, Acta Metall. Sin., 52(2016), No. 6, p. 649.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. X.L. Wang, Y.T. Tsai, J.R. Yang, Z.Q. Wang, X.C. Li, C.J. Shang, and R.D.K. Misra, Effect of interpass temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of multipass weld metal in a 550-MPa-grade offshore engineering steel, Weld. World, 61(2017), No. 6, p. 1155.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. X.L. Wang, C.J. Shang, and X.M. Wang, Characterization of the multi-pass weld metal and the effect of post-weld heat treatment on its microstructure and toughness, [in] HSLA Steels 2015, Microalloying 2015 & Offshore Engineering Steels 2015, Hangzhou, 2015, p. 481.

    Google Scholar 

  58. X.L. Wang, X.M. Wang, C.J. Shang, and R.D.K. Msra, Characterization of the multi-pass weld metal and the impact of retained austenite obtained through intercritical heat treatment on low temperature toughness, Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 649(2016), p. 282.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. L.M. Dong, L. Yang, J. Dai, Y. Zhang, X.L. Wang, and C.J. Shang, Effect of Mn, Ni, Mo contents on microstructure transition and low temperature toughness of weld metal for K65 hot bending pipe, Acta. Metall. Sin., 53(2017), No. 6, p. 657.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51701012), the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program: No. 2010CB630801) and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No. FRF-TP-17–004A1). R.D.K. Misra acknowledges continued collaboration with the University of Science and Technology Beijing as Honorary Professor.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Collaborative Innovation Center of Steel Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China

    Zhen-jia Xie, Cheng-jia Shang, Xue-lin Wang & Xue-min Wang

  2. Institute of Advanced Materials and Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China

    Gang Han

  3. Laboratory for Excellence in Advanced Steel Research, Department of Metallurgical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA

    Raja-devesh-kumar Misra

Authors
  1. Zhen-jia Xie
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Cheng-jia Shang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Xue-lin Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Xue-min Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Gang Han
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Raja-devesh-kumar Misra
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Cheng-jia Shang.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Xie, Zj., Shang, Cj., Wang, Xl. et al. Recent progress in third-generation low alloy steels developed under M3 microstructure control. Int J Miner Metall Mater 27, 1–9 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-019-1939-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-019-1939-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation