| Abstract Scope |
The control of phase transformations after hot working or thermal treatments is a key factor in optimizing the microstructure and, consequently, the final mechanical properties of steels. Strength and toughness are determined by several microstructural factors, including elements in solid solution, grain size, dislocation density, precipitation strengthening, and the presence of secondary phases. The measurement of some of these factors poses challenges, and the limitations of conventional microstructural characterization tools are evident in the literature. This contribution aims to compare different characterization techniques, such as EBSD and X-ray diffraction, to assess the impact of measurement accuracy on dislocation density evaluation and the characterization of other microstructural features relevant to understanding the mechanisms involved in phase transformations. Martensitic, bainitic, and ferritic microstructures obtained from various alloy grades are compared, emphasizing the influence of microstructural feature measurements on the evaluation of mechanical properties. |