Unambiguous carbon partitioning from martensite to austenite in Fe-C-Ni alloys during quenching and partitioning

The mechanism of carbon enrichment in retained austenite during the quenching and partitioning (Q&P) process is still controversial. In this paper, from direct observations at the atomic scale by atom probe tomography coupled with two-dimensional calculations, we clarify the mechanisms of Q&P. The results obtained support the partitioning of carbon from martensite to austenite as a mechanism of austenite enrichment. (C) 2013 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.