Abstract
The variation in microstructure and mechanical properties during heat treatment was examined in a series of 0.27% C-1.5% Mn-1.0% Cr steels with silicon contents in the range of 0 to 1.0 wt%. It was found that addition of 0.5%~1.0% silicon increased both tensile strength and impact toughness through solid solution strengthening and microstructural refinement. 0.27% C-1.0% Si-1.5% Mn-1.0% Cr steel showed tensile strength of 1,700 MPa in the as-quenched condition and the steel revealed a full martensitic structure even after air cooling from $900^{\circ}C$ to room temperature, showing air hardening characteristics. Tempering at $150^{\circ}C$ which corresponds to the typical paint-baking temperature after painting of body in white, slightly decreased the tensile strength and increased elongation, but substantially increased the impact toughness compared to the as-quenched steel.
