Effect of Heat Treatment Parameters on the Mechanical and Microstructure Properties of Low-Alloy Steel

Abstract

This study examines the effect of heat treatment at three different temperatures of 800˚C, 950˚C and 1100˚C on the microstructure and mechanical properties of low-alloy steel with an addition of manganese, chrome and lead. To determine an impact of the applied heat treatment operations, testing of mechanical properties and microstructural examinations of the steel with 0.23%, 0.24%, 0.29% and 0.31% C were conducted. This work shows that the mechanical strengths of the alloy steel are improved with increasing the heat treatment temperature. In addition, the microstructure trends toward recrystallized ferrite grains as the heat treatment temperature increases.