Retained Austenite:

Austenite that is present in in the ferrous alloys even after the completion of the heat
treatment process is referred to as retained austenite. In simple words, retained austenite is the
untransformed austenite.
Austenite transforms to martensite between Ms and Mf temperatures as it is essentially an
athermal transformation. However, this transformation never goes to completion, i.e., 100%
martensite (Mf temperature line is illustrated as dotted line in TTT diagrams).
This is because at Mf , a small amount of (~1%) of austenite is present in highly stressed state
along with ~99% martensite, and can not transform to martensite because unfavourable stress
conditions.
Both Ms and Mf temperatures decrease with increase in carbon content. Therefore amount of
retained austenite in hardened steels increase with increase in carbon content.
All alloying elements, except Al and Co, lower the Ms temperature and hence enhance the
amount of retained austenite. Therefore, both high carbon steels and high alloy steels are more
prone to the presence of retained austenite.
The substructure of retained austenite differs from that of the original austenite as it has as a
higher density of imperfections like dislocations, stacking faults, etc. which are created by local
plastic deformation of the austenite by martensite crystals.
Tool steels may have retained- austenite in the range of 5-35%. At the surface of a quenched
steel, that restrains are minimum. R.A is less at surface than center of the part
Advantages:
Ductility of austenite can help to relieve some internal stresses developed due to
hardening, to reduce danger of distortion and cracks. 10% retained austenite along
with martensite is desirable.
The presence of 30-40% retained austenite makes straightening operation of the
components possible after hardening. Straightening increases the hardness slightly.
Non-distorting steels owe their existence to retained austenite. Here enough
austenite is retained to balance the transformational contracting during heating, on the
formation of austenite from ferrite carbide aggregate on the one hand, and the
expansion corresponding to the formation of martensite during cooling, on the other,
Here, the basis of dimensional stability of non-distorting steels is the presence of
retained austenite.
Disadvantages
The soft austenite if present, in large amounts, decreases the hardness of hardened
steels.
As retained austenite may transform to lower bainite, or to martensite, there takes
place increase in dimensions of the part. Not only it creates problems in precision
gauges, or dies, the neighboring parts may be put under stress by it. In the component
itself, stresses may be created to cause distortion or cracking.
Retained austenite decreases the magnetic properties of the steel.
Sub-Zero treatment Zero treatment
Metal components could withstand the most extreme conditions, retaining their
strength, durability, and precision even under the harshest environments.
In the realm of precision engineering, where every component must perform
flawlessly, sub-zero treatment has become an indispensable tool. It offers a unique
combination of enhanced properties, including increased hardness, toughness, and
fatigue resistance, making it ideal for applications ranging from aerospace
components to surgical instruments.
The retained austenite is generally undesirable, sub-zero treatment is one of the
method to eliminate retained austenite.
As the room temperature lies between Ms and Mf temperatures of steel, quenching
to room temperature results in retained austenite.
Subzero treatment consists in cooling the hardened steel to a temperature below
0°C. The temperature of the sub zero treatment depends on the position of Mf
temperature of the steel.
A steel can be cooled much below the Mf temperature, but it, evidently achieves
nothing, because it cannot bring about any additional increase of hardness, or any
additional increase of martensite, because the Martensitic transformation ends at Mf
temperature.
Sub-zero treatment is more effective, if it is carried out immediately after quenching
operation. Any lapse of time between hardening and the cold treatment causes the
stabilization of austenite, makes the retained austenite resistant to further
transformation.
Most steels can be cooled by subzero treatment in a low cooling unit with one of the
mediums as given in table.
The low-cooling unit consists of two vessels, the interior one of copper, where the
parts or tools to be deep frozen, are placed and the exterior one of steel provided with a
good heat insulation.
Sub-zero treatment, also known as cryogenic treatment, is a heat treatment process
that involves cooling steel to temperatures below -70 °C. This extreme cold can induce
significant changes in the microstructure of the steel, resulting in improved mechanical
properties. Sub-zero treatment involves holding steel components at temperatures below
zero degrees Celsius to refine their microstructure.
The temperature used in this process usually ranges between -70ºC and -196ºC and is
always followed by tempering.
The main objective is to transform any retained into martensite, a more stable and
hardened structure. By completing this transformation, components become more
durable and resistant to wear and fatigue.
The space in between the vessels is filled with one of the chosen medium, or a system (figure in
previous page) which is inexpensive and can be used.
Usually the temperature range used is in range of -30°C to -150°C, and total time of cooling
and holding at that temperature (Mf ) varies from ½ - 1 hour. The hardness increased by 2-4 HRc.
As the amount of martensite increases by sub-zero treatment, it increases hardness, abrasion
resistance, fatigue resistance and eliminates the danger of developing grinding cracks.
As the newly formed martensite may add further to unfavorable stresses to cause distortion and
cracks, the complicated, or intricate shaped components may be first tempered at 150- 160°C
immediately after first quenching and then given the sub-zero treatment.
Sub-zero treatment has been most extensively used for:
Alloyed tool steels – like high speed steel, which now shall need only single stage
tempering.
Tools and components which need exact dimensions – gauges.
Carburized steels, especially alloy steels (having elements like Ni in it) to increase
their hardness and wear resistance
Steels having 0.8 to 1.1%C as hardness increases by 1-3 HRc
Sub-zero temperatures are also used to shrink-fit metallic components such as
shafts, pinions and bushings used in industries as diverse as machine building, energy
and automotive. This process works by taking advantage of the temporary change in
dimensions when a part is cooled (the shrink effect).
 Heat Treatment Defects
1. Overheating:
Heating for long periods at temperatures considerably exceeding the normal values.
 Excessive exposure to high temperatures during heating, leading to grain growth,
burning, or material degradation.
Effects: Coarsening of the microstructure, reduced mechanical properties, and
dimensional instability.
Prevention/Remedies:
Proper control of heating parameters, avoiding prolonged exposure to high
temperatures, and using temperature controls and monitoring.
For slight overheating: apply normal annealing and normalising.
For more apply double annealing and normalising.
2. Burning
Heating for a long period at a high temperature in an oxidation atmosphere or at
temperatures near the melting point.
Remedies:
1. 1st stage- use homogenising followed by double annealing.
2. 2nd stage- use forging followed by annealing.
3. 3rd stage- defect can not remedied.

3. Oxidation:
Thick layer of scale on the surface of the steel article. Oxidation atmosphere in the
heating furnace is the caused.

Remedies:
1. Heat in furnaces with reducing , neutral or protective atmospheres.
2. Heat in boxes with used carburising agent or cast iron chips.
3. Heat in molten salt bathes.
4. Decarburisation:
loss of carbon in the surface layers of the articles. This is due to the oxidising
atmosphere in the heating furnace.

Effects: Reduced hardness, decreased wear resistance, and compromised strength.

Prevention/Remedies:
Using protective atmospheres (e.g., controlled atmospheres or vacuum) or coating
the material with a protective layer.
Heat in furnaces with reducing, neutral or protective atmosphere.
Machine off the decarburised layer if the machining allowances is sufficiently large.
Heat in molten salt bath.
Heat in boxes with used carburising agent.
5. Quenching cracks:
this is due to the internal stresses due to volume changes at temperature, caused by
martensitic transfo rmation. Rapid cooling during quenching results in thermal
stresses that exceed the material’s strength, leading to cracking.When the internal
tensile stresses exceed the resistance of the steel to separation the crack occurs. The
insertion of the tools in the furnace without preheating for tempering is one of the
main causes of crack propagation.
Effects: Component failure, reduced strength, and compromised dimensional
stability.
Prevention/Remedies:
Avoiding sharp projections ,sharp corners ,and sudden transitions from thick to thin
sections .
 Apply austempering.
Temper immediately after quenching.
Heat to the minimum suitable temperature for hardening.
Proper selection of quenching media, minimizing temperature gradients, and
preheating the material. The crack formation is reduced by preheating the tool
between 200Cto 300C.
6. Warping
Asymmetrical distortion of the work is often called warping in heat-treating practice.
Warping is usually observed upon non-uniform heating or over heating for
hardening. It also occurs when the work is quenched in the wrong position and
when the cooling rate is too high in the temperature range of the martensite
transformation. An elimination of these causes should subsequently reduce
warping. Asymmetrical deformation of the articles in quenching. This is due to
volume changes in cooling or heating, non-uniform heating, internal stresses etc.

Remedies:
Cool slowly in the martensitic range.
Apply surface hardening.
Heat uniformly for hardening.
Quench as uniformly as possible in hardening.
7. Soft spots:
Non-uniform heating or cooling during the treatment, resulting in localized areas
with insufficient hardness. Zones on the surface of hardened articles with lower
hardness due to decarburizations and inhomogeneity of structure.

Effects: Reduced strength, compromised wear resistance, and premature failure.

Prevention/Remedies:
Using more effective quenching medium.
Obtaining a more homogenous structure , employing annealing or normalising
before hardening.
Protecting against decarburisation in heating.
Ensuring uniform heat distribution, using proper heating and quenching
techniques, and employing temperature monitoring devices.
8. Distortion:
Non-uniform cooling or heating rates cause differential expansion or contraction,
leading to warping or bending of the material.
Distortion occurs due to uneven heating, too fast cooling, part incorrectly supported
in furnace, incorrect dipping in quenching and stresses present before preheating.

Effects: Incorrect component fit, misalignment, or assembly issues.

Prevention:
Proper fixture design, controlled heating and cooling rates, and stress relief
techniques like tempering or annealing.
Distortion can be prevented preheating the tool or check furnace, capacity, reduce
the hardening temperature, and by reviewing the method of dipping.
9. Erosion:
reduction in size of the articles or loss of metals from its surface due to chemical
reactions of chlorous salts and oxidation of metals.

Remedies:
Deoxidised salt bath with borax or ferrosilicon should be used.
Properly position the article in reference to the electrodes of electrical salt bath