An experimental study has been conducted to quantify the effects of martensite plasticity on the mechanical properties of a commercial low-carbon (0.06 wt pct) dual-phase steel. The volume fraction and morphology (banded and more equiaxed) of the martensite second phase were systematically varied by control of the intercritical annealing temperature and the heating rate to this temperature. It was observed that the yield and tensile strengths were dependent on the volume fraction of martensite but not on the morphology. In contrast, the true uniform strain, fracture strain, and fracture stress were found to have a significant dependence on martensite morphology. These results were rationalized by considering an Eshelby-based model, which allowed for the calculation of the stress in the martensite islands for different morphologies and volume fractions. By comparing the stress in the martensite with an estimate of its yield stress, it was possible to rationalize the conditions under which martensite plasticity occurs. The implications of martensite plasticity affect the work hardening of the steels but most importantly the fracture properties. For conditions where martensite codeforms with the ferrite matrix, void nucleation is suppressed and the final fracture properties are dramatically improved.

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