Recent progress in third-generation low alloy steels developed under M<sup>3</sup> microstructure control

Zhen-jia Xie; Cheng-jia Shang; Xue-lin Wang; Xue-min Wang; Gang Han; Raja-devesh-kumar Misra

doi:10.1007/s12613-019-1939-x

Volume 27 Issue 1

Jan. 2020

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Article Navigation > International Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy and Materials > 2020 > 27(1): 1-9

Zhen-jia Xie, Cheng-jia Shang, Xue-lin Wang, Xue-min Wang, Gang Han, and Raja-devesh-kumar Misra, Recent progress in third-generation low alloy steels developed under M³ microstructure control, Int. J. Miner. Metall. Mater., 27(2020), No. 1, pp. 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-019-1939-x

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Zhen-jia Xie, Cheng-jia Shang, Xue-lin Wang, Xue-min Wang, Gang Han, and Raja-devesh-kumar Misra, Recent progress in third-generation low alloy steels developed under M3 microstructure control, Int. J. Miner. Metall. Mater., 27(2020), No. 1, pp. 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-019-1939-x

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Invited Review

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

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Corresponding author:
Cheng-jia Shang E-mail: cjshang@ustb.edu.cn
Received: 5 July 2019; Revised: 31 October 2019; Accepted: 1 November 2019; Available online: 16 December 2019

Abstract

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 microalloying 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.
- third-generation low alloy steels;
- multi-phase microstructure;
- meta-stable retained austenite;
- multi-scale precipitates

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