26 Technology INNOVATION & DEPLOYMENT Developing harder steels Bainite is a platelike microstructure that forms in steels at temperatures of 125-550 degrees C (depending on alloy content). Unlike other types of steels, alloys based on bainite often do not need further heat treatment to optimize strength and toughness. INL materials scientist Henry Chu presented a paper on the Bainitic Steel Development Process for which he and four other INL researchers received a U.S. patent. The presentation was held at the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering & Technology Symposium (GVSETS). The session chair reported that the Bainitic Process paper was the top paper for the session and submitted for consideration by the technical review committee for Best Paper of GVSETS. INL materials scientist Henry Chu, left, explains the Bainitic Steel Development Process.