Quenching and partitioning (Q&P) process: a critical review of the competing reactions

The quenching and partitioning (Q&P) process has been proposed recently as an alternative route to obtain a unique microstructure consisting of decarburised martensite retained austenite that results in superior balance between strength ductility. stabilisation after the Q&P processing is mainly achieved through its carbon enrichment result from primary formed during initial quenching. However, usually accompanied by complex competing reactions which are known affect retention at room temperature. This review critical assessment these their implication on evolution microstructure.