What are Dual Phase Steels? Properties, Composition and more explained
Steels are classified as dual phase steels when they display a ferritic-martensitic microstructure. Dual phase steels are known for their high ultimate tensile strength. In large parts, DP steels are used in the automobile industry. Such steel grades are standardized in the European standard EN 10346.
Properties
As a result, dual phase steels can be deformed with little force (low yield point) without breaking (high ultimate strength) and then hardened to increase yield strength after deformation (strong bake hardening effect).
These characteristics are primarily dependent on the grain size, amount, distribution, and carbon content of the martensite phase.
Composition
Dual phase steels are composed of a mixture of ferrites and martensites. The hard phase is made of martensites, which is formed in steels with high carbon content. By quenching gamma-phase iron (austenite) rapidly, the carbon atoms cannot diffuse out quickly enough, meaning that they will form a martensitic crystal structure.
Steel alloys such as manganese, molybdenum, nickel and chromium can increase hardenability. The balance of alloys determines other material properties, such as weldability and ductility.
Production
Steels that are eligible for transforming into DP steels are low and medium carbon steels that contain carbon rich austenite and low carbon ferrites. The material is subjected to annealing at lower transformation temperatures (A1). Most steel types are held at around 800 °C, depending on the composition present.
Next, the material is quenched to temperatures below the upper critical temperature (A3) at which ferrites and martensites start to form as a result of the formation of austenites.
Applications
Since deformation works well on DP steels, they are often used for deep-drawn parts. The automobile industry benefits from such steel grade parts in particular. Examples are car doors and body panels.
STAINLESS STEEL HARDENING WITH BORTEC PROCESS
Using the BORINOX® process for hardening stainless steel and nickel-based alloys, you can harden your workpieces. In contrast, the process does not reduce the corrosion resistance of the material. In addition, the process works very dimensionally stable. For expert advice, contact our materials specialists today.