Study on Isothermal Precipitation Behavior of Nano‐Scale (Nb,Ti)C in Ferrite/Bainite in 780 MPa Grade Ultra‐High Strength Steel

In order to precisely control the nano‐scale (Nb,Ti)C precipitate in hot‐rolled 780 MPa Nb–Ti microalloying C–Mn steel, isothermal precipitation behavior of nano‐scale (Nb,Ti)C precipitate in the ultra‐high strength steel was investigated by the thermal simulation experiments. The results indicated that defects of deformed supercooled austenite became the preferential nucleation sites of nano‐scale (Nb,Ti)C precipitate and ferrite, so there was a competition mechanism for austenitic defects between ferritic transformation and precipitate nucleation. Bainitic transformation could effectively freeze austenitic defects, and additional defects are formed because of volume expansion in bainitic transformation process, so bainitic transformation could promote precipitate nucleation. However, precipitate was impacted by both nucleation driving force and atom diffusibility, so the peak temperature of nano‐scale (Nb,Ti)C precipitate was 550°C. On the basis of the above theoretical results, hot rolling experiments results showed that when the coiling temperature was 550°C, the yield strength and tensile strength were 710 and 790 MPa, respectively, and the microstructure of hot‐rolled steels was mainly bainitic ferrite, and a large number of <10 nm nano‐scale (Nb,Ti)C precipitates were obtained. Precipitation strengthening contribution to reached 325 MPa.     

热轧590MPa级车轮钢的奥氏体相变行为

 利用热力模拟试验技术,研究一种Nb-V-Ti复合微合金化C-Mn钢的奥氏体连续冷却相变行为,为低成本高性能热轧590MPa级车轮钢的控制轧制和控制冷却工艺制定提供必要的理论依据。研究表明：无形变条件下,铁素体转变存在的冷却速率范围为0. 5~5℃/s,珠光体转变存在的冷却速率范围为0. 5~2℃/s;形变条件下,铁素体转变存在的冷却速率范围为0. 5~25℃/s,珠光体转变存在的冷却速率范围为0. 5~10℃/s;不论是否存在形变,贝氏体转变存在于整个冷却速率范围(0. 5~30℃/s);奥氏体区形变增加了奥氏体内部的缺陷密度,促进了非均匀形核的发生,故形变促进了铁素体转变;由于试验钢的碳的质量分数较低(＜0. 10%),形变通过促进铁素体相变而间接促进珠光体相变;当贝氏体相变前无铁素体相变时,形变对贝氏体相变有促进作用;试验钢在实际热轧试验中冷却速率宜控制在20℃/s左右,卷取温度控制在550~650℃。     

Phase Evolution and Mechanical Behavior of 0.36 wt% C High Strength TRIP‐Assisted Steel

Phase evolution in a 0.36 wt% C steel has been studied by thermodynamic calculation and dilatometric analysis with an aim to achieve high strength TRIP‐assisted steel with bainitic microstructure. The equilibrium phase fraction calculated as the function of temperature indicated the formation of δ‐ferrite (≈98%) at 1417°C. In contrast, similar calculation under para‐equilibrium condition exhibited transformation of δ‐ferrite to austenite at the temperature below 1300°C. During further cooling two‐phase (α+γ) microstructure has been found to be stable at the intercritical temperature range. The experimentally determined CCT diagram has revealed that adequate hardenability is achievable in the steel under continuous cooling condition at cooling rate >5°C s^?1. In view of the aforesaid results, the steel has been hot rolled and subjected to different process schedule conducive to the evolution of bainitic microstructure. The hot rolled steel has exhibited reasonably good tensile properties. However, cold deformation of the hot rolled sample followed by intercritical annealing and subsequent isothermal bainitic transformation has resulted in high strength (>1000 MPa) with attractive elongation due to the favorable work hardening condition during plastic deformation offered by the multiphase microstructure.     

Microstructure and properties of hot‐rolled high strength multiphase steels for automotive application

Effects of alloying with combinations of the elements Mo, Cr and B on the bainite transformation behaviour and microstructure of hot‐rolled high strength sheet steels microalloyed with mass contents of Ti and Nb, 0.05 or 0.15 % C and 1.5 % Mn have been studied. The relationships between microstructures formed in the steels coiled at various temperatures and their mechanical properties have been investigated. The 0.15 % C microalloyed steel alloyed with Mo,Cr and B with a complex bainitic microstructure was found to have distinctive high performance behaviour combining continuous yielding, high tensile strength and plasticity after coiling in a wide temperature region. The strain hardening of the micro‐constituents typical for the investigated steels has been analysed to have a better understanding of the mechanical properties of complex phase microstructures in low alloy ferrous alloys. It was found that bainitic ferrite with austenitemartensite islands as a second phase leads to high strength and adequate elongation. The features of the bainite formation in the Mo, Cr and B alloyed CMn steel microalloyed with Ti and Nb during slow cooling from temperatures between 650 and 550 °C was studied by dilatometry.     

Effect of Thermo‐Mechanical Process on Phase Transformation Behaviors of V–Ti–N Microalloyed Steel

Thermo‐mechanical simulation tests were performed on V–Ti–N microalloyed steel under three hot working conditions by using Gleeble‐3800 thermo‐mechanical simulator to study the effects of hot deformation and post‐deformation holding process on the continuous cooling transformation behaviors of overcooled austenite. The continuous cooling transformation diagrams (CCT diagrams) were determined by thermal dilation method and metallographic method. The effects of the hot deformation, post‐deformation holding, and cooling rate on the microstructure evolution were analyzed. The results show that deformation promotes ferrite and pearlite transformation. In addition, deformation leads to an increase in bainite start temperature, which becomes more markedly with the increase in cooling rate. The post‐deformation holding process is much favorable to promote carbonitride precipitation of the microalloying elements, which contributes to ferrite nucleation and smaller austenite grains. As a result, an increase in ferrite quantity and a decrease in ferrite grain size can be observed. And further more, the post‐deformation holding process reduces the effect of hot deformation on the bainite start temperature.     

Effect of alloying elements on the microstructure‐property relationship in thermomechanically processed C‐Mn‐Si TRIP steels

The effect of additions of Nb, Al and Mo to Fe‐C‐Mn‐Si TRIP steel on the final microstructure and mechanical properties after simulated thermomechanical processing (TMP) has been studied. The laboratory simulations of discontinuous cooling during TMP were performed using a hot rolling mill. All samples were characterised using optical microscopy and image analysis. The volume fraction of retained austenite was ascertained using a heat tinting technique and X‐ray diffraction measurements. Room temperature mechanical properties were determined by a tensile test. From this a comprehensive understanding of the structural aspect of the bainite transformation in these types of TRIP steels has been developed. The results have shown that the final microstructures of thermomechanically processed TRIP steels comprise ~ 50 % of polygonal ferrite, 7 ‐12 % of retained austenite, non‐carbide bainitic structure and martensite. All steels exhibited a good combination of ultimate tensile strength and total elongation. The microstructure‐property examination revealed the relationship between the composition of TRIP steels and their mechanical properties. It has been shown that the addition of Mo to the C‐Si‐Mn‐Nb TRIP steel increases the ultimate tensile strength up to 1020 MPa. The stability of the retained austenite of the Nb‐Mo steel was degraded, which led to a decrease in the elongation (24 %). The results have demonstrated that the addition of Al to C‐Si‐Mn‐Nb steel leads to a good combination of strength (~ 940 MPa) and elongation (~ 30 %) due to the formation of refined acicular ferrite and granular bainite structure with ~7 ‐ 8 % of stable retained austenite. Furthermore, it has been found that the addition of Al increases the volume fraction of bainitic ferrite laths. The investigations have shown an interesting result that, in the Nb‐Mo‐Al steel, Al has a more pronounced effect on the microstructure in comparison with Mo. It has been found that the bainitic structure of the Nb‐Mo‐Al steel appears to be more granular than in the Nb‐Mo steel. Moreover, the volume fraction of the retained austenite increased (12 %) with decreasing bainitic ferrite content. The results have demonstrated that this steel has the best mechanical properties (1100 MPa and 28 % elongation). It has been concluded that the combined effect of Nb, Mo, and Al addition on the dispersion of the bainite, martensite and retained austenite in the ferrite matrix and the morphology of these phases is different than effect of Nb, Mo and Al, separately.     

Intragranular Ferrite Formation Mechanism and Mechanical Properties of Non‐quenched‐and‐tempered Medium Carbon Steels

The type and size distribution of inclusions in non quenched‐and‐tempered medium carbon steels were investigated quantitatively. The effect of Ti containing complex inclusions on the formation of intragranular ferrite was studied. The continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagrams of the tested steels were obtained for determining the cooling rate range of the formation of intragranular ferrite. The mechanical properties of the tested steels were determined at room temperature. The results show that with increasing Ti content, the fraction of Ti containing complex inclusions, which could act as nuclei for intragranular ferrite, increased and the inclusion size became smaller. In the cooling rate range of 0.5~2.5°C/s, plenty of intragranular ferrite formed, while at the rate of 2°C/s, the microstructure was mainly acicular ferrite. With the formation of intragranular ferrite, the toughness was enhanced by about 50% keeping the same strength level for the studied steels.     

Isochronal Phase Transformations of Low‐Carbon High Strength Low Alloy Steel upon Continuous Cooling

Aimed to acquire optimum comprehensive properties for the oil and gas pipeline steels, thermal treatment should be controlled to achieve ideal microstructures. Effects of cooling rates on transformation kinetics and microstructures of the low‐carbon high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel were investigated to obtain an optimized thermal treatment technology. Dilatometric measurements, light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were employed in present work. The transformed microstructures contained polygonal ferrite + pearlite, acicular ferrite (AF), and bainitic ferrite (BF) due to the cooling rates increasing from 5 to 3000°C min^?1, in present investigated HSLA steel. The result shows that, the increase of cooling rate accelerates AF transformation and refines the steel's matrix. The morphology of martensite/austenite structures transformed from islands in AF to films in BF with the increase of cooling rate.     

Modelling the Kinetics of Austenite Decomposition in Nb‐Ti‐V Microalloyed Steel after Hot Strip Rolling

In hot strip rolling of Nb‐microalloyed steels the austenite transformation usually starts in the hot run‐out table (HRT) under a high cooling rate and finishes while the strip is coiled, when the cooling rate is much slower. Thus the transformation takes place during a two‐step‐cooling regime. This paper presents a mathematical model able to predict such transformation. The experimental alloy used here was a Nb‐V‐Ti microalloyed steel. The model employs an Avrami type equation associated with the additivity rule. The time constant b in the Avrami equation was expressed as a function of parameters A and B whereas the time exponent n was best modelled as a constant of value 1. Experiments have shown that the constants A and B are linearly dependent. An artificial neural network (ANN) model was used to predict B. The ANN model takes into account the following process variables: austenite deformation applied above the non‐recrystallization temperature (Tnr), deformation applied below Tnr, cooling rate in the HRT, and coiling temperature. From the results it was proposed that the transformation is governed by early site saturation, diffusion being the only operating mechanism. This conclusion was based on the experiment value found for n and on the need of a single temperature dependent parameter, either A or B, to predict the course of the overall austenite transformation.     

Effect of hot deformation and Nb precipitation on continuous cooling transformation of a high-Nb steel

In this work, the effects of hot deformation on continuous cooling transformation of a high-Nb steel were investigated on a Gleeble 3500 thermal simulator. The amounts of dissolved Nb were determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. Furthermore, the effects of hot deformation and Nb precipitation on phase transformation were discussed. Results showed that high-Nb steel is suitable for acicular ferrite pipeline steels because the acicular ferrite microstructure can be obtained in a wide cooling rate range. Hot deformation strongly accelerates the polygonal ferrite transformation and increases the critical cooling rate to obtain a full acicular ferrite microstructure. Moreover, hot deformation markedly refines the final microstructure and improves the mechanical properties of acicular ferrite obtained at a high cooling rate. However, hot deformation can also promote Nb precipitation during holding and even cooling at low rates after hot deformation. Nb precipitation dramatically promotes the polygonal ferrite, weakens the effect of Nb in solution on phase transformation and strengthening, and decreases the microhardness.     

Microstructural evolution during thermomechanical processing of a Ti-Nb interstitial-free steel just below the Ar 3 temperature

Laboratory thermomechanical processing (TMP) experiments have been carried out to study the austenite transformation characteristics, precipitation behavior, and recrystallization of deformed ferrite for an interstitial-free (IF) steel in the temperature range just below Ar ₃. For cooling rates in the range 0.1 °C s⁻¹ to 130 °C s⁻¹, austenite transforms to either polygonal ferrite (PF) or massive ferrite (MF). The transformation temperatures vary systematically with cooling rate and austenite condition. There is indirect evidence that the transformation rates for both PF and MF are decreased by the presence of substitutional solute atoms and precipitate particles. When unstable austenite is deformed at 850 °C, it transforms to an extremely fine strain-induced MF. Under conditions of high supersaturation of Ti, Nb, and S, (Ti,Nb) _x S _y precipitates form at 850 °C as coprecipitates on pre-existing (Ti,Nb)N particles and as discrete precipitates within PF grains. Pre-existing intragranular (Ti,Nb) _x S _y precipitates retard recrystallization and grain coarsening of PF deformed at 850 °C and result in a stable, recovered subgrain structure. The results are relevant to the design of TMP schedules for warm rolling of IF steels.     

Microstructural Changes after Control Rolling and Interrupted Accelerated Cooling Simulations in Pipeline Steel

The γ‐α transformation and final microstructure in pipeline steel was studied by carrying out a number of physical simulations of industrial hot rolling schedules. Particularly, the effect of the reheating temperature, deformation and cooling parameters on the transformation temperatures and final grain size were considered with a goal to obtain an appropriate thermo‐mechanical processing route which will generate appropriate microstructures for pipeline applications. The CCT diagram of the steel was derived experimentally by means of dilatometric tests. Hot torsion experiments were applied in a multi‐deformation cycle at various temperatures in the austenite region to simulate industrial rolling schedules. By variation of the reheating temperature, equivalent strain, and accelerated cooling, different types of microstructures were obtained. It was found that the deformation increases the transformation temperatures whereas the higher cooling rates after deformation decrease them. Post‐deformation microstructure consists of fine bainitic‐ferrite grains with dispersed carbides and small amount of dispersed martensite/austenite islands which can be controlled by varying the reheating temperature, deformation and post‐deformation cooling. The detailed microstructure characteristics obtained from the present work could be used to optimize the mechanical properties, strength and toughness of pipeline steel grades by an appropriate control of the thermo‐mechanical processing.     

X70管线钢连续冷却过程的相变研究

以两种微合金化方式(Nb、V、Ti和Nb、V、Ti、Mo)的X70管线钢为研究对象,在MMS-200热模拟试验机上进行了双道次轧制工艺模拟试验,研究不同卷取温度、冷却速度对X70显微组织的影响.结果表明,随着卷取温度的降低及冷速的提高,金相组织细化.卷取温度在520℃、冷速在15℃/s左右可以得到较为理想的针状铁素体组织.Nb、V、Ti微合金化管线钢,当冷却速度为15℃/s时,带状组织完全消失.     

冷作硬化非调质钢的连续冷却相变规律

钢的连续冷却相变曲线(CCT)是组织调控的基本依据,为了优化紧固件用冷作硬化非调钢热轧态的组织和力学性能,采用DIL805A相变仪测定了试验钢在0.1～50℃/s不同冷却速率下的热膨胀曲线,结合金相硬度法确定相变类型,并绘制了试验钢的CCT曲线.结果 表明,试验钢马氏体转变点(Ms)为280℃,在不同冷速范围内均有铁素...     

Effect of thermomechanical processing on the retained austenite content in a Si-Mn transformation-induced-plasticity steel

The influence of hot deformation on the microstructure of a hot-rolled Si-Mn transformation-induced-plasticity (TRIP) steel was evaluated in an effort to better control retained austenite content. In this study, axial compressive strains varying in amounts from 0 to 60 pct were imposed in the austenite phase field, and effects on the formation of polygonal ferrite, bainite, and retained austenite were determined. In addition, modifications in simulated coiling temperature from 420 °C to 480 °C and cooling rates from the rolling temperature, between 10 °C/s and 35 °C/s, were assessed. Fast cooling rates, low coiling temperatures, and low degrees of hot deformation were generally found to decrease the amount of polygonal ferrite and increase retained austenite fraction. Unexpectedly, a sharp increase in polygonal ferrite content and decrease in retained austenite content occurred when the fastest cooling rate, 35 °C/s, was coupled with extensive hot deformation and high coiling temperatures. This effect is believed to be due to insufficient time for full recovery and recrystallization of the deformed austenite, even in the absence of intentional microalloying additions to control recrystallization kinetics. The resultant decrease in hardenability allowed the ferrite transformation to continue into the holding time at high (simulated) coiling temperatures.     

Effect of Cooling Rates on the Second‐Phase Precipitation and Proeutectoid Phase Transformation of a Nb–Ti Microalloyed Steel Slab

During the continuous casting of low‐carbon Nb–Ti microalloyed steel, control of the slab surface microstructure and the behavior of the second‐phase precipitation are significantly influenced by the cooling rate. Through confocal laser scanning microscopy, the effect of the cooling rate on the behavior of ferrite precipitation both at the grain boundary and within the austenite was observed in situ and analyzed. The relationship between the cooling rate and precipitation of the microalloying elements on the slab surface microstructure was further analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the effect of microalloying element precipitation on proeutectoid ferrite phase transformation is mainly manifested in two aspects: (i) the carbonitrides of microalloying elements act as inoculant particles to promote nucleation of the proeutectoid ferrite and (ii) the carbon near the grain boundary is depleted when the microalloying elements precipitate into carbonitrides, inducing a decrease in the local carbon concentration and promoting ferrite precipitation.     

微合金成分对低碳贝氏体钢强度的影响

采用不同V、Cr含量,结合Nb、Ti、Mo等微合金化的成分设计,控轧控冷、离线回火工艺生产了30 mm厚度规格的低碳贝氏体钢板,钢板的组织为粒状贝氏体、少量针状铁素体以及少量多边形铁素体,钢板的力学性能满足交货需要.使用透射电镜结合能谱仪分析了钢板的析出相情况,结果表明钢板的析出相主要是Nb、Ti的碳氮化物,析出相含有微乎其微的V,而没有Cr;Nb、Ti通过析出对钢板起到析出强化作用,V、Cr在钢中起固溶强化作用,对强度贡献较小.     

Strain‐Induced Precipitation Behavior of a Nb–Ti–V Steel in the Austenite Phase Field

The precipitation behavior of a Nb (0.041 wt%), V (0.11 wt%), and Ti (0.018 wt%) micro‐alloyed steel influenced by a deformation process in the austenite region has been investigated by transmission electron microscopy and atom probe. After solution annealing at 1250°C, nearly the entire Nb and V amount is in solid solution. Ti does not go into in solid solution and stays stable as TiN precipitates. During the cooling process to deformation temperature, these TiN precipitates act as nucleation sites for Nb and V. Precipitates with a TiN rich core and a V‐rich shell are formed. Nb is homogenously distributed over the precipitate. After deformation, strain induced precipitates occur, which consist mainly of Nb, V, and only a little Ti. Smaller strain induced precipitates have a higher N‐content than C, with growth the C‐content increases.     

A Study of the Influence of Thermomechanical Controlled Processing on the Microstructure of Bainite in High Strength Plate Steel

Steels with compositions that are hot rolled and cooled to exhibit high strength and good toughness often require a bainitic microstructure. This is especially true for plate steels for linepipe applications where strengths in excess of 690 MPa (100 ksi) are needed in thicknesses between approximately 6 and 30 mm. To ensure adequate strength and toughness, the steels should have adequate hardenability (C. E. >0.50 and Pcm >0.20), and are thermomechanically controlled processed, i.e., controlled rolled, followed by interrupted direct quenching to below the Bs temperature of the pancaked austenite. Bainite formed in this way can be defined as a polyphase mixture comprised a matrix phase of bainitic ferrite plus a higher carbon second phase or micro-constituent which can be martensite, retained austenite, or cementite, depending on circumstances. This second feature is predominately martensite in IDQ steels. Unlike pearlite, where the ferrite and cementite form cooperatively at the same moving interface, the bainitic ferrite and MA form in sequence with falling temperature below the Bs temperature or with increasing isothermal holding time. Several studies have found that the mechanical properties may vary strongly for different types of bainite, i.e., different forms of bainitic ferrite and/or MA. Thermomechanical controlled processing (TMCP) has been shown to be an important way to control the microstructure and mechanical properties in low carbon, high strength steel. This is especially true in the case of bainite formation, where the complexity of the austenite-bainite transformation makes its control through disciplined processing especially important. In this study, a low carbon, high manganese steel containing niobium was investigated to better understand the effects of austenite conditioning and cooling rates on the bainitic phase transformation, i.e., the formation of bainitic ferrite plus MA. Specimens were compared after transformation from recrystallized, equiaxed austenite to deformed, pancaked austenite, which were followed by seven different cooling rates ranging between 0.5 K/s (0.5 °C/s) and 40 K/s (40 °C/s). The CCT curves showed that the transformation behaviors and temperatures varied with starting austenite microstructure and cooling rate, resulting in different final microstructures. The EBSD results and the thermodynamics and kinetics analyses show that in low carbon bainite, the nucleation rate is the key factor that affects the bainitic ferrite morphology, size, and orientation. However, the growth of bainite is also quite important since the bainitic ferrite laths apparently can coalesce or coarsen into larger units with slower cooling rates or longer isothermal holding time, causing a deterioration in toughness. This paper reviews the formation of bainite in this steel and describes and rationalizes the final microstructures observed, both in terms of not only formation but also for the expected influence on mechanical properties.     

Effect of Initial Microstructure on Impact Toughness of 1200 MPa-Class High Strength Steel with Ultrafine Elongated Grain Structure

A medium-carbon low-alloy steel was prepared with initial structures of either martensite or bainite. For both initial structures, warm caliber-rolling was conducted at 773 K (500 °C) to obtain ultrafine elongated grain (UFEG) structures with strong 〈110〉//rolling direction (RD) fiber deformation textures. The UFEG structures consisted of spheroidal cementite particles distributed uniformly in a ferrite matrix of a transverse grain size of about 331 and 311 nm in samples with initial martensite and bainite structures, respectively. For both initial structures, the UFEG materials had similar tensile properties, upper shelf energy (145 J), and ductile-to-brittle transition temperatures 98 K (500 °C). Obtaining the martensitic structure requires more rapid cooling than is needed to obtain the bainitic structure and this more rapid cooling promote cracking. As the UFEG structures obtained from initial martensitic and bainitic structures have almost identical properties, but obtaining the bainitic structure does not require a rapid cooling which promotes cracking suggests the use of a bainitic structure in obtaining UFEG structures should be examined further.