Structure and properties of low-carbon martensitic steels

Studies begun in the 1960s under the guidance of R.I. Entin at the Institute of Metal Physics of the Bardin Central Research Institute of Ferrous Metals have shown that high stability of low-carbon austenite in both the "normal" and bainite regions can be provided at a specific proportion of carbon and the alloying elements. The starting temperature of martensite transformation M sub s remains at 300-400 deg C. This makes it possible to obtain in steel the structure of lath martensite in large cross sections by air cooling. These low-carbon martensite steels (LCMS) possess a favorable combination of mechanical properties and a number of technological advantages even in the quenched state, which widens their range of application in industry. In recent years several new groups of LCMS have been created.