Research status of reversed austenite in martensite: review

Abstract This paper studies the role of reversed austenite in martensitic stainless steels, summarizes the formation principles of reversed austenite in martensitic stainless steels and reviews elements influencing its formation. It also summarizes common heat treatment methods for obtaining reversed austenite in martensitic stainless steels and compares the advantages and disadvantages of various approaches. For example, layered quenching and tempering yield more reversed austenite compared to simple tempering, resulting in finer microstructures at room temperature. The paper analyzes how different reversed austenite contents affect the strength, ductility, and hardness of martensitic stainless steels, as well as the impact on pitting, intergranular, hydrogen, and stress corrosion. It finds that a higher amount of reversed austenite leads to a higher yield-to-tensile strength ratio, increased ductility, and lower hardness. While reversed austenite improves resistance to pitting, intergranular, and stress corrosion, its effect on hydrogen embrittlement remains debated. Additionally, the paper summarizes the formation principles of reversed austenite in martensitic stainless steels and reviews elements influencing its formation, aiming to identify optimal elements and heat treatment methods to increase reversed austenite content. This paper aims to make a summary of the research of experts and scholars in recent years, provide the knowledge foundation for the scholars who have just contacted, and give some reference for the future research direction.