Tailoring dual-phase steel properties through controlled temperature and holding time during heat treatment

This study investigates the effect of controlled temperature and holding time on the microstructure and properties of DP600 dual-phase steel. Low-carbon steel (0.3 wt%C) was heat-treated at 850°C with holding times of 20, 40, 60, and 80 minutes, followed by quenching in bitumen. The microstructure revealed variations in ferrite-martensite dispersion with increasing holding time. Improved mechanical properties were observed due to microstructural evolution, while corrosion resistance decreased with prolonged exposure. The findings highlight the critical role of heat treatment parameters in optimizing dual-phase steel properties for engineering applications.