Mechanical Characterization of Inter-Critical Temperature-Treated Medium-Carbon Steel under varied Cooling Conditions
Authors: *Sekunowo, O.I., Bolasodun, B.O. And Akin-Adamu, M.D.
DOI Info: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15778181
ABSTRACT
Continuous improvement in mechanical characteristics of building structural members for enhanced reliability and safety is an ongoing research concern. In this study, medium carbon steel was subjected to conventional inter-critical temperature treatment and quenched at varied cooling rate approximated by air, water and spent-oil. The varied microstructural phases induced were evaluated using optical and scanning electron microscopes (OM/SEM) while the mechanical properties were characterized using relevant state-of the art tools. Results show that only at the combination of 850 oC inter-critical heat treatment and water quenching resulted in the type of microstructure that enhanced mechanical characteristics in terms of hardness, 233.4 HRB, UTS, 632.9 MPa, yield strength, 425.1 MPa and impact energy of 51.5 J. It appears that impaired mechanical properties of the other samples might have stemmed from incomplete austenite transformation resulting in some form of retained austenite within the system. The outcomes of this study have made a significant contribution to the quest for a processing method that promotes production of high quality structural steel capable of mitigating incessant building collapse.
Affiliations: Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Nigeria.
Keywords: Building Structural Members, Inter-critical Temperature Treatment, Medium Carbon Steel, Mechanical Properties, Undercooling
Published date: 2025/06/30
