Materials Science Forum Vols. 500-501

Abstract: A physically based model is used to analyze quantitatively, the relative contributions of solute Nb and strain-induced NbC precipitation to the retardation of static recrystallization during the interpass time. The model explicitly takes into account the time evolution of strain-induced precipitation and its interaction with recovery and recrystallization. It is thus possible to quantitatively model the recrystallization kinetics taking into account: i) the effect of solute drag on the boundary mobility, ii) the effect of particle pinning (Zener drag) on the driving force for boundary motion, and iii) the effect of dislocation pinning by strain-induced precipitates, on the recovery kinetics and the nucleation of recrystallization. The analysis shows that there is an optimum partitioning of Nb between matrix solute and strain induced precipitates. This optimum partitioning maximizes particle pinning while ensuring an adequate solute drag effect to prevent the boundary from breaking away from solute atmosphere. The optimum partitioning of Nb between the matrix and the precipitates is shown to depend upon the temperature window of rolling, pass reduction and interpass time. The effect of delaying the kinetics of strain-induced precipitation of NbC through large Mn addition is shown to be an advantage for ensuring adequate solute drag in the low temperature, large pass deformation schedule used in near-net shape processing of thin slab or thick strip castings.

Abstract: This study analyzes the recrystallization behaviour of Ti microalloyed low carbon steels processed by near net shape technology. Faster solidification rates associated with this technology allows for a finer precipitation of TiN particles that are very effective in controlling austenite grain growth during hot working. Furthermore, these small precipitates are shown to be able to retard ecrystallization compared to the kinetics of a plain carbon steel.

Abstract: The finishing rolling of microalloyed steels was simulated by double-deformation plane strain compression testing of both model and conventional steels microalloyed with Nb. The flow behavior following interpass delay times of 1-100s was related to the deformed microstructure, the deformation substructure and the strain-induced precipitation. Fe-30wt%Ni is clearly a good model alloy for conventional microalloyed steels, as similar results are observed for both materials. In addition, the location of fine strain-induced precipitates in relation to the deformation substructure can be determined directly using transmission electron microscopy.

Abstract: The values of recrystallisation driving (FR) and pinning forces (FP) during the hot rolling of a low Nb-microalloyed steel were calculated using several expressions found in the literature. A comparative study of the hypothesis into the interaction between precipitates and migrating grain boundaries was carried out, and the methods for estimating volume fractions of precipitates and dislocation density were assessed. Though the criterion selected greatly influences the values obtained for both forces, FP grows faster than FR as the rolling temperature drops.

Abstract: The main aim of the present investigation was to study the flow behaviour of two medium carbon microalloyed steels under hot forming conditions, and to analyse its microstructural evolution. The dependence of recrystallized grain size (Drec) on the Zener-Hollomon parameter Z shows a bimodal behaviour with transition from single to cyclic dynamic recrystallization. Also we observed that the variation of Drec normalized by Burgers vector (b) with sss normalized by shear modulus ( µ) shows the same bimodal behaviour cited above. The Derby’s universal equation cited in literature for recrystallized grain sizes was not followed; it seems that the presence of fine precipitated particles has a clear effect on this disagreement.

Abstract: Surface defects, mainly intergranular cracks (IGC), in as cast billet is the main concern for the production of microalloyed steels with the continuous casting process. A description is given of the IGC in the as cast billet surface and the main casting parameters influencing its formation. An analytical model of the influence of the microalloyed content in the formation of precipitates and the corresponding billet surface ductility at the temperature of billet straightening is presented. The model was validated with bibliographical ductility experimental values and was used to perform composition optimisation for continuous casting production. The analytical approach has been completed with a numerical precipitation model coupled with a continuous casting billet solidification model. The coupled program allows precipitate size distribution calculation in selected points of the cross billet section as a function of production parameters, steel composition and billet size. These precipitate distributions are important to detect ductility problems in billets and to optimise the operational parameters so as to avoid these problems.

Abstract: Pilot-scale plate rolling experiments and laboratory thermomechanical processing experiments were carried out to understand the mechanism of microstructural banding in low-carbon microalloyed steels. The microstructural banding originates with large elongated austenite grains, which are present at the roughing stage of rolling. The large austenite grains develop when conditions favour abnormal grain growth during reheat and/or strain induced grain boundary migration (SIBM) in the first few rolling passes. Microstructural banding is eliminated by designing TMP schedules to avoid abnormal grain growth and SIBM.

Abstract: Pilot-scale plate rolling experiments and laboratory thermomechanical processing experiments were carried out to understand the mechanism of microstructural banding in low-carbon microalloyed steels. The microstructural banding originates with large elongated austenite grains, which are present at the roughing stage of rolling. The large austenite grains develop when conditions favour abnormal grain growth during reheat and/or strain induced grain boundary migration (SIBM) in the first few rolling passes. Microstructural banding is eliminated by designing TMP schedules to avoid abnormal grain growth and SIBM.

Abstract: The hot strip rolling of advanced microalloyed high strength steels still represents a new task to many mills due to the lack of data on the hot deformation resistance. With the aid of processing data from the Ispat-Inland hot strip mill, the “measured mean flow stresses” are calculated from the mill force using the Sims analysis and taking into account roll flattening, slip ratio and the redundant strain. A modification of the Misaka mean flow stress equation is proposed for C – Mn – Si – Al steels microalloyed with up to 0.02 % Nb. The effects of alloying and microalloying are then estimated. A new fitting parameter shows excellent agreement with the mean flow stress data from industrial processing of advanced high strength microalloyed steels. However, during the second half of the rolling schedule (lower temperature region), indications of austeniteto- ferrite transformation were found.