Microstructural and precipitation characterization in Nb-Mo microalloyed steels: Estimation of the contributions to the strength

The influence of coiling temperature on the final microstructure and precipitation has been analyzed in several low carbon Nb and Nb-Mo microalloyed steels. A throughout characterization of the complex microstructures has been performed using electron backscattered diffraction, measuring low and high angle unit sizes, microstructural substructure, as well as quantifying the homogeneity. An important microstructural refinement is observed for all compositions as the coiling temperature decreases. Regarding precipitation, the coiling temperature strongly modifies the size and density of the fine precipitates, being 550 °C the optimal coiling temperature for the Nb-Mo steels. The addition of Mo to Nb steels provides a refinement of the precipitates and, therefore, enhances their contribution to strengthening. Considering all the microstructural and precipitation quantification data, the yield strength was estimated and the contribution of the different mechanisms calculated. The grain size contribution is proven to be the most important factor regarding strengthening, followed by dislocation density and precipitation especially at low coiling temperatures and Nb-Mo steels.