Influence of holding time during rapid tempering after rapid austenitization on the microstructure and mechanical properties of low carbon steel

  • Putu Reidita Artha Putri Bandung Institute of Technology
  • Akhmad Ardian Korda Department of Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Bandung, Indonesia
  • Eddy Agus Basuki Department of Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Bandung, Indonesia
  • Fadhli Muhammad Department of Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Bandung, Indonesia
  • Tria Laksana Department of Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Bandung, Indonesia
  • Djalu Amardanta Priambudi Department of Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Bandung, Indonesia
  • Imam Al Syaukhani Department of Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Bandung, Indonesia
  • Septa Berti Santosa Department of Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Bandung, Indonesia
Keywords: low carbon steel, rapid tempering, rapid austenitization, induction furnace

Abstract


The rising demand for high-quality steel in construction, automotive, and other industrial sectors presents significant challenges, particularly regarding energy consumption and CO₂ emissions from large-scale production. This study explores the use of rapid tempering as a heat treatment strategy to enhance the mechanical properties of low carbon steel while potentially reducing the environmental footprint of steel manufacturing. Rapid tempering was performed following rapid austenitization at 1000 °C for 90 seconds using a 7-kW induction furnace, followed by quenching in ice water. Soaking times of 5, 15, and 20 seconds were applied during tempering, and results were compared with conventional heat treatment. The rapid tempering process resulted in a microstructure consisting of tempered martensite, with only slight morphological changes in the martensitic phase compared to conventional tempering, and the formation of markedly finer cementite precipitates. Mechanical testing demonstrated superior performance in rapid tempering, with the 5-second condition achieving the highest hardness (422.667 HV), tensile strength (1308.9 MPa), and yield strength (1270 MPa), while the 20-second condition yielded the highest toughness (139.336 J/cm²) and elongation (33.833%). Based on the balance among tensile strength, hardness, and toughness, the RA-RT 5- second specimen exhibited the most optimal mechanical performance.

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Published
2026/07/02
How to Cite
Artha Putri, P. R., Ardian Korda, A., Agus Basuki, E., Muhammad, F., Laksana, T., Amardanta Priambudi, D., Al Syaukhani, I., & Berti Santosa, S. (2026). Influence of holding time during rapid tempering after rapid austenitization on the microstructure and mechanical properties of low carbon steel. Journal of Mining and Metallurgy, Section B: Metallurgy, 62(1), 13-24. Retrieved from https://aseestant.ceon.rs/index.php/jmm/article/view/61568
Issue
Vol. 62 No. 1 (2026)
Section
Original Scientific Paper

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