Austenite to polygonal-ferrite transformation and carbide precipitation in high strength low alloy steel

By differential scanning calorimetry measurement and microstructural examination, the effects of cooling rates on the kinetics and microstructure of polygonal ferrite transformation have been investigated in a high strength low alloy steel. The peak temperature of ferrite transformation exhibits an evident dependency on cooling rate. With the cooling rate decreasing, the ferrite fraction corresponding to the maximum transformation rate is decreased, as well as the size of polygonal ferrite grains. More ferrite is nucleated at lower cooling rate. On the basis of the effects of austenite grain size and carbide precipitation on ferrite formation, it is suggested that carbide precipitation plays a more dominant role in the kinetics of ferrite transformation. During austenite-ferrite transformation, the ferrite nucleation still proceeds, and the nucleation would not be saturated by pre-existing nuclei.