Recrystallization of deep drawing columbium (Nb)-treated interstitial-free sheet steels

The softening response after isochronal annealing of cold-rolled, Cb-treated, vacuum decarburized-deoxidized, interstitial-free steels was investigated by hardness measurements, tension tests, and optical and transmission electron microscopy. Softening after annealing, following cold reduction, occurs by recovery-recrystallization and a reduction in precipitation hardening due to the coarsening of CbC precipitates. The recrystallization start temperature increases markedly with increasing amounts of Cb in solid solution in ferrite. Fine CbC precipitates retard recrystallization to a much lesser degree, and their effects can be eliminated by coarsening prior to cold reduction. Recrystallization initiates at free surfaces. Partially recrystallized structures consist of two layers of recrystallized matrix separated by an unrecrystallized zone. The recrystallized layers thicken with increasing temperature or time. This phenomenon is an inherent characteristic of these steels and not a result of external influences.