Evolution of Nonmetallic Inclusion during Steelmaking Process of Cold Heading Steel SWRCH35K

In order to analyze the evolution of the inclusions in the cold heading steel SWRCH35K during the steelmaking process, a systematic sampling of the steelmaking processes in a steel plant was carried out. Both SEM-EDS and the image processing software Image-Pro-Plus6.0 were employed to analyze the chemical composition, morphology, quantity and size of non-metal inclusions in the steel samples. The results show that from BOF tapping to continuous casting tundish, the composition of inclusions in SWRCH35K steel changes from Al2O3 →MgO·Al2O3 →CaO-MgO-Al2O3-CaS, and the typical morphology of the inclusions in the steel gradually changes from irregular blocks and clusters to spherical. The number of inclusions in the BOF argon blowing station is the largest, 213#/mm2, while the number of inclusions at the end of LF refining is the least, about 12#/mm2, and there are basically no inclusions above 5 μm. In addition, LF calcium treatment will adversely affect the size and quantity control of inclusions in steel. In order to effectively reduce the large-size calcium-containing spherical oxide inclusions in cold heading steel, it is necessary to find a technical method that can replace LF calcium treatment to solve the problem of molten steel continuous casting.

Effects of Rolling and Cooling Conditions on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Low Carbon Cold Heading Steel

Effects of rolling and cooling conditions on microstructure and mechanical properties of low carbon cold heading steel were investigated on a laboratory hot rolling mill. The results have shown that the mechanical proper ties of low carbon steels exceed the standard requirements of ML30, ML35, ML40, and ML45 steel, respectively due to thermomechanical controlled processing （TMCP）. This is attributed to a significant amount of pearlite and the ferrite-grain refinement. Under the condition of relatively low temperature rolling, the mechanical properties exceed standard requirements of ML45 and ML30 steel after water cooling and air cooling, respectively. Fast cooling which leads to more pearlite and finer ferrite grains is more critical than finish rolling temperatures for low carbon cold heading steel. The specimen at high finish rolling temperature exhibits very good mechanical properties due to fast cooling. This result has great significance not only for energy saving and emission reduction, but also for low-carbon economy, because the goals of the replacement of medium-carbon by low-carbon are achieved with TMCP.

Effect of Thermomechanical Controlled Processing on Mechanical Properties of 490 MPa Grade Low Carbon Cold Heading Steel

Thermomechanical controlled processing （TMCP） of low carbon cold heading steel in different austenite conditions were conducted by a laboratory hot rolling mill. Effect of various processing parameters on the mechanical properties of the steel was investigated. The results showed that the mechanical properties of the low carbon cold heading steel could be significantly improved by TMCP without heat treatment. The improvement of mechanical properties can be attributed mainly to the ferrite grain refinement due to low temperature rolling. In the experiments the better ultimate tensile strength and ductility are obtained by lowering finishing cooling temperature within the temperature range from 650 ℃ to 550 ℃ since the interlamellar space in pearlite colonies become smaller. Good mechanical properties can be obtained in a proper austenite condition and thermomechanical processing parameter. The ferrite morphology has a more pronounced effect on the mechanical behavior than refinement of the microstructure. It is possible to realize the replacement of medium-carbon by low-carbon for 490 MPa grade cold heading steel with TMCP.