Enhanced strength and ductility by introducing nanobainitic ferrite in bainitic steel used in sports equipment

The mechanical properties of carbide-free bainitic steels used in sports equipment were investigated. The nanobainitic ferrite was introduced in bainitic steel to enhance the stability of blocky retained austenite (RA). The blocky RA formed in bainitic austempering process was coarse and led to poor mechanical properties. By introducing the nanobainitic ferrite into blocky RA, the yield strength was improved remarkably, which was increased from 706 to 1180 MPa. Furthermore, the total elongation was almost twice the value compared to the traditional bainitic treatment. The improved mechanical properties were attributed to the enhanced stability of blocky RA. Furthermore, the increased carbon content in RA derived from the carbon dissolved in bainitic ferrite and the carbon trapped in dislocation or Cottrell atmosphere.