The success of obtaining both high strength and high formability in low-carbon quenched and partitioned(Q&P)steels depends on their microstructural constituents.In this regard,the effect of annealing temperature on the volume fraction and distribution of carbon in retained austenite in a low-carbon Q &P steel was studied.The microstructures of Q&P steels subjected to different annealing temperatures were studied in detail by electron microscopy,electron microprobe,and X-ray diffraction techniques.The results suggest that intercritical annealing is beneficial in increasing the volume fraction of retained austenite,which is a consequence of the distribution of alloying elements during intercritical annealing.Moreover,the mechanical properties of intercritically annealed Q&P steel,especially its ductility,are significantly enhanced.