Light‐weight steels based on iron‐aluminium ‐ influence of micro alloying elements (B,Ti, Nb) on microstructures,textures and mechanical properties

The influence of the micro alloying elements B, Ti and Nb on the recrystallization texture and mechanical properties of iron aluminium light‐weight steels, particularly with reference to their improved deep drawing properties was investigated. Depending on the combination of the alloying elements the microstructures of the investigated micro alloyed Fe‐6Al steels are influenced by grain refinement. Likewise, variable combinations of micro alloying elements differently affect the texture. Generally, the mechanical properties are improved. However, small amounts of B, Ti and Nb cause superior deep drawing and stretch forming properties of these iron aluminium light‐weight steels The microstructures of various micro alloyed cold rolled Fe‐6Al steel sheets were evaluated by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) inclusively EDAX and X‐ray diffraction. Texture measurements were performed using a goniometer with a closed Eulerian cradle and analysed by ODF calculations. Tensile tests were carried out at room temperature and 200 °C, respectively. The deep drawing behaviour was determined by performing cupping tests and digitalised strain analysis.