Analysis of the Parameters Influencing the Quench-Aging Behavior of Ultra-Low-Carbon Steels

The influence of the annealing temperature and of the grain size on the quench-aging behavior of ultra-low-carbon (ULC) steels was investigated by thermoelectric power measurements (TEPs) and mechanical testing. The TEP technique showed that the quench aging of ULC steels occurs in two distinct stages: (1) the segregation of carbon atoms to the grain boundaries and (2) the precipitation of iron carbides. It was suggested that the degree of grain boundary coverage by the carbon atoms resulting from the annealing or aging conditions influences the development of the yield point of ULC steels.