Magnetic field induced twins in martensite and their effect on subsequent cementite precipitation in Fe-0.32 wt-%C steels

Magnetic field induced twins in martensite and their effect on the succedent cementite precipitation in Fe-0.32 wt-%C steels have been studied. Specimens were quenched with and without a magnetic field. In the martensite formed under the magnetic field, many twins were obtained, while few twins were found in the martensite formed without a magnetic field. When the specimens were subsequently tempered without a magnetic field, the magnetic field induced twins influenced the morphology of cementite precipitation. Owing to the effect of magnetic field induced twins and the change in morphology of cementites, the strength of the specimen quenched under magnetic field and tempered was considerably increased, while the tensile ductilities were slightly reduced at the same time.