Multilayer steel and method of reducing liquid metal embrittlement

A multilayer steel, comprising:

• a core formed of transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) steel, wherein the core has a first side and a second side, opposite the first side, and includes a carbon weight-percent of less than or equal to 0.4;
• a first decarburized layer exterior to the core on the first side of the core, wherein the first decarburized layer has reduced carbon content relative to the core;
• a second decarburized layer exterior to the core on the second side of the core, wherein the second decarburized layer has reduced carbon content relative to the core;
• wherein the first decarburized layer and the second decarburized layer both have a composition of at least 90 percent ferrite;
• and
• a zinc-based layer exterior to both the first decarburized layer and the second decarburized layer.

A method of creating a coated advanced high-strength steel component, the method comprising:

• cold-rolling a core from transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) steel;
• annealing the TRIP steel core;
• decarburizing an exposed surface of the TRIP steel core to form a decarburized layer, wherein the decarburized layer is composed of equal to or greater than 80 percent ferrite and has a carbon weight-percent of less than or equal to 50 percent of the carbon weight-percent of the core;
• applying a zinc-based coating to an exterior surface of the decarburized layer to form a coated blank;
• and
• welding the coated blank having the decarburized layer.