In the present study, the influence of the quenching temperature and partitioning conditions (temperature and time) have been investigated on a 0.6%C-1.2%Mn-1.6%Si-1.75%Cr alloy. Maps of hardness, impact toughness and amount of retained austenite have been developed for three quenching temperatures as a function of partitioning temperature and partitioning time. Results demonstrate that, in this material, the carbon depletion of the martensite and the stabilization of austenite can be achieved significantly faster at high partitioning temperatures, promoting higher retained austenite fractions, lower hardness, and maximizing the energy absorbed in a Charpy V‑Notch test. In addition, the effect of the partitioning time was also analysed, presenting different behaviour at high and low partitioning temperatures. Whereas an increment of time at high partitioning temperatures (>400 ºC) leads to an austenite consumption, at low partitioning temperatures it is effective to retain a higher amount of austenite. 

Furthermore, tensile properties are shown to be better than in conventional alloys utilized in industry. Whilst, for example, the AISI 52100 alloy achieves 2 GPa of tensile strength and 1‑2% of fracture deformation, in the present study the notable combination of 2.5 GPa of tensile strength and 5.7 % of fracture deformation was achieved in samples quenched until room temperature. Untempered martensite transformed during final cooling in samples quenched until higher temperatures was shown to be detrimental for tensile properties.

A comparison between the Q&P process and the austempering process on this alloy has been carried out. Results reveal that the quenching and partitioning heat treatment is presented as a promising alternative to reach higher hardness (>700 HV) and similar specific wear rates in dry conditions performing a shorter heat treatment.   

Finally, a complementary study about the effect of micro-segregation on the Q&P process and an optimization method to minimize the inhomogeneity of the structure by a correct selection of the quenching temperature were established.