Davut, KemalMurathan, Omer FarukDavut, KemalKilicli, VolkanDepartment of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering2024-07-052024-07-05202160025-53002195-857210.1515/mt-2020-0007https://doi.org/10.1515/mt-2020-0007https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14411/1973Kilicli, Volkan/0000-0002-0456-5987; MURATHAN, ÖMER FARUK/0000-0002-3636-2164; Davut, Kemal/0000-0002-9860-881XIn this study, the effect of austenitizing temperatures and low-temperature isothermal heat treatment (below martensite start temperature) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AISI 9254 high silicon spring steel has been investigated. Experimental studies show that ultra-fine carbide-free bainite, tempered martensite and carbon enriched retained austenite could be observed in isothermally heat-treated samples where the as-received sample consisted of fine pearlite. A high tensile strength of similar to 2060 MPa, a total elongation of similar to 8 %, and absorbed energy of 105 J were achieved in a commercial high-Si steel by austempering below the Ms temperature. A good combination of strength and ductility has been obtained in prolonged austempering below the martensite start temperature (225 degrees C) from an austenitizing temperature of 870 degrees C.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessHigh silicon steelaustenitizing temperaturescarbide-free bainitebainitemartensiteArticle6314854WOS:000636792600008