Investigating the Influence of Trace Tantalum on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Niobium Microalloyed Steels

Felipe M. Carvalho; Ronaldo M. Lasmar; Livia L.O. Goulart; Marcelo S. Siqueira; Ana Paola V. Braga

doi:10.4028/p-AMfBa6

Paper Titles

Effect of EAF Impurities on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Low-Carbon Steels
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Impact of Non-Metallic Inclusions and Grain Structures Modified by Fast Heating Annealing on Tensile Properties of a V-Microalloyed High-Mn TWIP Steel
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High-Throughput Computational Screening, Non-Metallic Inclusion Analysis, and Microstructural Characterization of a Novel Medium Manganese Steel
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Special Steels for the Hydrogen Society
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Investigating the Influence of Trace Tantalum on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Niobium Microalloyed Steels
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Impact of Aluminum in Comparison to Silicon on Liquid Metal Embrittlement of 3^rd Generation AHSS
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Evaluating LME Susceptibility in Third-Generation AHSS: The Role of Testing Methodologies and Silicon Concentration
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Influence of Quenching Medium on Ordered Phases Formation and Vickers Microhardness of Fe-6.5 Wt%Si
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Enhancing Fatigue Performance of Additively Manufactured H13 Tool Steel through Surface Finishing Processes
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Investigating the Influence of Trace Tantalum on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Niobium Microalloyed Steels

Abstract:

The global production of niobium-microalloyed steels is now a well-established industrial practice. Initially driven by experimental insights into niobium's ability to refine steel microstructures during thermomechanical processing, this technology has become especially prevalent in low-alloy steels. An important aspect of niobium's production is its natural association with tantalum, which often leads to the co-extraction of both elements. This paper investigates the impact of tantalum traces, present as a contaminant in FeNb, on the microstructure and mechanical properties of niobium-microalloyed steels. The study reveals that tantalum's presence leads to further refinement of austenitic grains without negatively affecting the alloys' yield strength. Additionally, this tantalum contamination enhances the steel samples' toughness. By exploring these subtle effects, this study provides new insights into tantalum's influence on microalloyed steels, particularly regarding microstructural refinement and mechanical performance in two specific Nb-microalloyed steel compositions.