Industrial Consultancy & Sponsored Research (IC&SR) , IIT Madras
Method for Producing Quench and Partitioned Steel with Dual Phase Microstructure and Improved Mechanical Properties
Categories for this Invention
Category – Advanced High Strength Steels, Advance Material & Manufacturing
Applications – Automotive Body Panels, Suspension Systems, Agricultural Machinery
Industry – Automotive, Aerospace
Market – Advanced high strength steel (AHSS) market size is projected to be worth US$ 49.6 Bn by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 7.9% by 2034.
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Problem Statement
- The automotive industry requires steels that are both lightweight and possess high strength and ductility.
- There is a challenge in optimizing the microstructure of low-carbon steels to increase the amount and stability of retained austenite, which enhances strength and formability.
- The impact of different alloying elements on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Quench and Partitioned (Q&P) steels remains insufficiently understood.
Technology
- The invention focuses on developing light-weight, high-strength, and high-ductility steels, specifically for automotive applications, using a quench and partitioning (Q&P) process that results in a dual-phase microstructure.
- The Q&P process, involving precise temperature control during quenching and partitioning, enhances the stability and amount of retained austenite in the steel, leading to improved mechanical properties such as tensile strength (1150-1300 MPa) and elongation (~18%).
- Two new steel compositions (Steel B and C) were designed, showing a significant improvement in strength and ductility compared to other commercial high-strength steels, making them promising for automotive use with optimized alloying elements and heat treatment parameters.
Key Features / Value Proposition
1. High Strength and Ductility:
- Achieves impressive tensile strength (1150-1300 MPa) with 18% elongation, ideal for demanding automotive applications.
2. Optimized Dual-Phase Microstructure:
- Tailored microstructure with 22% retained austenite and martensite enhances mechanical properties and performance.
3. Lightweight and Efficient:
- Offers a superior strength-to-weight ratio, making it a cost-effective solution for lightweight automotive designs.
4. Customizable Processing:
- Flexible quench and partitioning parameters allow precise control over mechanical properties, ensuring consistent quality.
Questions about this Technology?
Contact For Licensing
sm-marketing@imail.iitm.ac.in
ipoffice2@iitm.ac.in
Research Lab
Prof. Hari Kumar K.C
Prof. Sankaran S
Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Intellectual Property
- IITM IDF Ref. 1431
- IN 349064 – Patent Granted
Technology Readiness Level
TRL – 4
Technology validated in lab scale.