Carbon partitioning into austenite after martensite transformation

A model is developed to describe the endpoint of carbon partitioning between quenched martensite and retained austenite, in the absence of carbide formation. The model assumes a stationary alpha/gamma interface, and requires a uniform chemical potential for carbon, but not iron, in the two phases, leading to a metastable equilibrium condition identified here as "constrained paraequilibrium" or CPE. The model is explained with example calculations showing the characteristics of the constrained paraequilibrium condition, and applications are discussed with respect to new microstructures and processes, including a new "quenching and partitioning," or Q&P process, to create mixtures of carbon-depleted martensite, and carbon-enriched retained austenite. Important new implications with respect to fundamental elements of the bainite transformation are also discussed. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of Acta Materialia Inc.