Microstructure and mechanical properties of a microalloyed steel after thermal treatments

The properties of a microalloyed steel, with Nb and V in its composition, were studied, after different intercritical thermal treatments and at different austenitizing and tempering temperatures. The mechanical properties of the specimens were measured in a Vickers hardness tester, and their microstructures were analyzed by optical microscopy, with the aid of a digital image processor. After austenitizing at 1100 °C and tempering at 625 °C, the samples showed significantly higher tempering resistance, reflected by their retention of high hardness, which may be associated with a secondary har...