Comparative analysis into mechanical properties and microstructural attributes of quenched and tempered 0.2%-C steel

Purpose The purpose of this study is to critically analyze the properties of quenched and tempered steel samples. Austenite to martensite transformation of steel is a common process in any steel industry. Water quenching is the best suited technique to convert the steel into martensitic structure. Although quenched products are very hard, yet they possess brittleness. Due to which, their industrial applications become very limited. To avoid this problem, tempering of the martensite is usually done to achieve the required combination of hardness and toughness. Design/methodology/approach The present work deals with comparative analysis of mechanical properties and microstructural behavior of quenched and tempered steel samples. For the purpose, a low carbon steel (0.2%-C) was taken under study. Quenching was done in water, and tempering was done in atmospheric air. Four different mechanical properties such as tensile strength, toughness, hardness and shear strength were analyzed on steel samples that underwent through two different above-mentioned heat treatment processes. Findings An improvement in all the four mechanical properties was reported after tempering the quenched products. Also, the microstructural images of quenched and tempered specimens showed a good corroboration with mechanical properties. Originality/value A significant improvement in mechanical properties was reported in tempered specimens. Also, there was a strong corroboration between mechanical properties and microstructural attributes. A clear view of needle-shaped martensite and lamellar-shaped pearlite was observed in water-quenched and tempered specimens, respectively.