EBSD-based technique for quantification of M/A and retained austenite in microstructure of HSLA steels

New technique for quantification of M/A and retained austenite in microstructure of HSLA steels on the base of advanced EBSD data analysis and post-operational treatment was developed. Martensite-austenite (M/A) and retained austenite structural constituents were revealed using crystal distortions features. In contrast to highly distorted M/A structural constituent the retained austenite contains the same level of defects as the surrounding ferritic microstructure. Volume fraction and mean equivalent diameters of M/A and retained austenite were quantitatively determined.