Optimization of Quenching Temperature to Minimize the Micro Segregation Induced Banding Phenomena in Quenching and Partitioning (Q&P) Steels

Mn, Cr, and Si are favorable elements for designing the quenching and partitioning (Q&P) steels while the microsegregation of them is a common phenomenon in the steels. This segregation makes the bands of enriched and depleted Mn–Cr regions, which affects the Ms temperature of the bands and consequently influence the volume fraction of initial martensite, retained austenite, and secondary fresh martensite in different bands. This issue leads to non‐homogeneity in the microstructure and mechanical properties. In this study, the optimization method to minimize the inhomogeneity by selection of the quenching temperature is demonstrated.