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<p>Quenching and partitioning (Q&amp;P) steels have emerged as a key category of third-generation advanced high-strength steels. This review aims to elucidate the current state of research on Q&amp;P steels, the evolution of their microstructure, and the structure–property relationships, with a particular focus on the mechanisms underlying austenite retention and their impact on deformation behavior and mechanical properties. The study first conducted a scientometric analysis using Citespace software based on the WoS database to identify publication trends, thematic clusters, and the evolution of research priorities. Subsequently, representative studies were critically reviewed based on the results of the scientometric analysis. The results indicate that research on Q&amp;P steels has shifted from early studies on thermodynamic concepts and carbon partitioning to the fields of microstructural control, austenite retention stability, deformation-induced phase transformations, and performance-oriented alloy/process design. It is worth noting that the mechanical response of Q&amp;P steels is not only controlled by the retained austenite content but also influenced by the synergistic effects of multiple factors, including martensitic matrix strength, retained austenite morphology stability, local chemical inhomogeneity, and strain localization. In summary, Q&amp;P steels should be regarded as a design strategy based on metastability rather than a mere heat treatment process. Its future development will depend on the precise control of local phase stability, comprehensive improvements in process robustness, and the deep integration of advanced characterization techniques with microstructure-sensitive modeling methods.</p>

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Research landscape and microstructure evolution of quenching and partitioning steels

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月15日

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  • Minghe Li,
  • Bo Cui,
  • Guomin Wei,
  • Asmawan Mohd Sarman

摘要

Quenching and partitioning (Q&P) steels have emerged as a key category of third-generation advanced high-strength steels. This review aims to elucidate the current state of research on Q&P steels, the evolution of their microstructure, and the structure–property relationships, with a particular focus on the mechanisms underlying austenite retention and their impact on deformation behavior and mechanical properties. The study first conducted a scientometric analysis using Citespace software based on the WoS database to identify publication trends, thematic clusters, and the evolution of research priorities. Subsequently, representative studies were critically reviewed based on the results of the scientometric analysis. The results indicate that research on Q&P steels has shifted from early studies on thermodynamic concepts and carbon partitioning to the fields of microstructural control, austenite retention stability, deformation-induced phase transformations, and performance-oriented alloy/process design. It is worth noting that the mechanical response of Q&P steels is not only controlled by the retained austenite content but also influenced by the synergistic effects of multiple factors, including martensitic matrix strength, retained austenite morphology stability, local chemical inhomogeneity, and strain localization. In summary, Q&P steels should be regarded as a design strategy based on metastability rather than a mere heat treatment process. Its future development will depend on the precise control of local phase stability, comprehensive improvements in process robustness, and the deep integration of advanced characterization techniques with microstructure-sensitive modeling methods.