Comparison between the surface defects caused by Al_2O_3 and TiN inclusions in interstitial-free steel auto sheets

Al_2O_3 and TiN inclusions in interstitial-free(IF) steel deteriorate the properties of the steel. To decrease the defects of cold-rolled sheet, it is important to clearly distinguish between the degrees of damage caused by these two inclusions on the surface quality of the steel. In this study, a nanoindenter was used to test the mechanical properties of the inclusions, and the distribution and size of the inclusions were obtained by scanning electron microscopy(SEM). It was found that when only mechanical properties are considered, TiN inclusions are more likely to cause defects than Al_2O_3 inclusions of the same size during the rolling process. However, Al_2O_3 inclusions are generally more inclined to cause defects in the rolling process than TiN inclusions because of their distribution characteristic in the thickness direction. The precipitation of Al_2O_3 and TiN was obtained through thermodynamical calculations. The growth laws of inclusions at different cooling rates were calculated by solidification and segregation models. The results show that the precipitation regularity is closely related to the distribution law of the inclusions in IF slabs along the thickness direction.

Effect of continuous annealing temperature on microstructure and properties of ferritic rolled interstitial-free steel

In this report,the microstructure,mechanical properties,and textures of warm rolled interstitial-free steel annealed at four different temperatures(730,760,790,and 820°C)were studied.The overall structural features of specimens were investigated by optical microscopy,and the textures were measured by X-ray diffraction(XRD).Nano-sized precipitates were then observed by a transmission electron microscope(TEM)on carbon extraction replicas.According to the results,with increased annealing temperatures,the ferrite grains grew;in addition,the sizes of Ti_4C_2S_2 and Ti C precipitates also increased.Additionally,the sizes of Ti N and Ti S precipitates slightly changed.When the annealing temperature increased from 730 to 820°C,the yield strength(YS)and the ultimate tensile strength(UTS)showed a decreasing trend.Meanwhile,elongation and the strain harden exponent(n value)increased to 49.6%and 0.34,respectively.By comparing textures annealed at different temperatures,the intensity of{111}texture annealed at 820°C was the largest,while the difference between the intensity of{111}<110>and{111}<112>was the smallest when the annealing temperature was 820°C.Therefore,the plastic strain ratio(r value)annealed at 820°C was the highest.

Study on grain refinement of interstitial-free steel during continuous frictional angular extrusion

To explore the application of severe plastic deformation for grain refinement in steel production, a new method called continuous frictional angular extrusion （CFAE） was applied to refine the grain of interstitial-free steel. The deformation was carried out at room temperature and individual sheet specimens were processed in different number of passes. An overall grain size of 200nm was achieved after 8 passes and the proportion of high-angle boundaries to the total boundaries was more than 60%. Through the characterization of high resolution EBSD, X-ray diffraction （XRD） and hardness testing,this paper discussed the evolution of microstructures and textures during deformation and explored the development direction of the method.

Texture evolution during semicontinuous equal-channel angular extrusion process of interstitial-free steel

Semicontinuous equal-channel angular extrusion（ SC-ECAE） is a novel severe plastic deformation technique that has been developed to produce ultrafine-grain steels. Instead of external forces being exerted on specimens in the conventional ECAE,driving forces are applied to dies in SC-EACE. The deformation of interstitial-free（ IF） steel w as performed at room temperature,and individual specimens w ere repeatedly processed at various passes. An overall grain size of 0. 55 μm w as achieved after 10 passes. During SC-ECAE,the main textures of IF steel included { 111} ,{ 110} ,{ 112} ,{ 110} ,and { 110} At an early stage,increasing dislocations induce new textures and increase intensity. When the deformation continues,low-angle boundaries are formed betw een dislocation cell bands,w hich cause some dislocation cell bands to change their orientation,and therefore,the intensity of the textures begins to decrease. After more passes,the intensity of textures continues to decrease w ith high-angle boundaries,and the sub-grains in dislocation cell bands continuously increase. The present study reports the evolution of textures during deformation; these w ere examined and characterized using high-resolution electron backscattered diffraction（ EBSD） in a field emission scanning electron microscope. The mechanisms of texture evolution are discussed.

Effect of flash processing on recrystallization behavior and mechanical performance of cold-rolled IF steel

Flash processing(FP)has attracted considerable attention due to its high efficiency,economic advantages,and the extraordinary opportunity if offers to improve the mechanical properties of steel.In this study,we investigated the influences of FP on the recrystallization(REX)behavior and mechanical performance of cold-rolled IF steel.Using a thermomechanical simulator,we performed both single-stage FPs,at heating rates of 200℃/s and 500℃/s,and two-stage FP,with an initial preheating to 400℃ at a rate of 5℃/s and then to peak temperatures at a rate of 200℃/s.In comparison to continuous annealing(CA),single-stage FP can effectively refine the recrystallized grain sizes and produce a similar or even sharperγ(ND(normal direction)//{111})texture component.In particular,the heating rate of 500℃/s led to an increase in the yield strength of about 23.2%and a similar ductility.In contrast,the two-stage FP resulted in a higher REX temperature as well as a certain grain refinement due to the stored strain energy,i.e.,the driving force of REX,which was largely consumed during preheating.Furthermore,both stronger{110}<110>and weakerγtexture components appeared in the two-stage FP and were believed to be responsible for the early necking and deterioration in ductility.

Corrosion behavior and mechanism of the automotive hot-dip galvanized steel with alkaline mud adhesion

The corrosion behavior and mechanism of hot-dip galvanized steel and interstitial-free （IF） substrate with alkaline mud adhesion were investigated by scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, X-ray diffraction （XRD）, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy （EIS）, and linear polarization. The results show that non-uniform corrosion occurs on the galvanized steel and IF substrate during 250 h with the mud adhesion. The corrosion products on the galvanized steel are very loose and porous, which are mainly ZnO, Zn5（OH）8C12·H2O and Zn（OH）2, and Fe-Zn alloy layer with a lower corrosion rate is exposed on the galvanized steel surface; however, the corrosion products on IF substrate are considerably harder and denser, whose compositions of rust are mainly FeOOH and Fe3O4, and several pits appear on their surface. The results of continuous EIS and linear polarization measurements exhibit a corrosion mechanism, that is, under activation control, the charge transfer resistances present different tendencies between the galvanized steel and IF substrate; in addition, the evolution of linear polarization resistances is similar to that of charge transfer resistances. The higher contents of dissolved oxygen and Cl^- ions in the mud play an important role in accelerating the corrosion.

Effect of Annealing Temperature on the Precipitation Behavior and Texture Evolution in a Warm-Rolled P-Containing Interstitial-Free High Strength Steel

By using transmission electron microscopy and electron back-scattered diffraction, the effect of annealing temperature on the precipitation behavior and texture evolution in a warm-rolled interstitial-free high strength steel was studied. The results indicated that fine FeTiP could precipitate at 650 ℃, and the number of those precipitates increased greatly with the increasing annealing temperature until 800 ℃. Furthermore, the nucleation of FeTiP was influenced by the precipitation of TiC and （Ti, Nb） C. The near absence of FeTiP and a large volume fraction of TiC and （Ti, Nb） C in matrix are envisaged to be primarily responsible for the sharp y-fiber texture. As the boundary pinning effect caused by FeTiP is weak and there are less interstitial C atoms in matrix. Thus, annealing at 800 ℃ leads to the highest intensity of y-fiber texture.

Diffusion behavior of Cr in gradient nanolaminated surface layer on an interstitial-free steel

Nanolaminated structures composed of low-angle grain boundaries(LAGBs) possess high thermal stability. In this paper, a gradient nanolaminated(GNL) surface layer with smooth finish was fabricated on an interstitial-free steel by means of surface mechanical rolling treatment. Microstructural observations demonstrated that the average lamellar thickness is about 80 nm in the topmost surface layer and increases with increasing depth. High thermal stability was confirmed in the GNL surface layer after annealing at 500℃. Diffusion measurements showed that effective diffusivity of Cr in GNL layer is 4–6 orders of magnitude higher than lattice diffusivity within the temperature range from 400 to 500℃. This might be attributed to numerous LAGBs or dislocation structures with a higher energy state in the GNL surface layer. This work demonstrates the possibility to advanced chromizing(or other surface alloying)processes of steels with formation of GNL surface layer, so that a thicker alloyed surface layer with a stable nanostructure is achieved.

Microtexture Evolution and Grain Boundary Character Distribution of Interstitial-Free Steels With Moderate Levels of Cold Rolling Reductions

High-strength interstitial-free steel sheets have very good deep drawability when processed to have { 111 } recrystallization texture. The microtexture evolution and grain boundary character distribution of interstitial-free steels as a function of moderate levels of cold rolling reductions were investigated by the metallographic microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction technique. The results showed that there was a close relationship between micro- texture and grain boundary character distribution for interstitial-free steel, especially the distribution and features of some specific types of coincident-site lattice boundaries. In addition, a-fiber texture was weakened to vanish while 7- fiber texture strengthened gradually as cold rolling reduction was increased from 20% to 75 % for cold rolled and an- nealed samples. Accordingly, increasing the rolling reduction from 20 % to 750% would lead to a significant increase in the proportion of ∑3 boundaries. Also, it was found that the microtexture of 20% cold rolled sample would induce a high frequency of ∑11 grain boundaries, but the microtexture of 75% cold rolled sample would produce more ∑7 and ∑17 grain boundaries. It was suggested that texture played a significant role in the formation of grain boundary character distribution.

Modeling texture development during cold rolling of IF steel by crystal plasticity finite element method

With the consideration of slip deformation mechanism and various slip systems of body centered cubic （BCC） metals, Taylor-type and finite element polycrystal models were embedded into the commercial finite element code ABAQUS to realize crystal plasticity finite element modeling, based on the rate dependent crystal constitutive equations. Initial orientations measured by electron backscatter diffraction （EBSD） were directly input into the crystal plasticity finite element model to simulate the develop- ment of rolling texture of interstitial-free steel （IF steel） at various reductions. The modeled results show a good agreement with the experimental results. With increasing reduction, the predicted and experimental rolling textures tend to sharper, and the results simulated by the Taylor-type model are stronger than those simulated by finite element model.＇Conclusions are obtained that rolling textures calculated with 48 { 110} 〈 111 〉＋ { 112 } 〈 111〉＋ { 123 } 〈 111 〉 slip systems are more approximate to EBSD results.

Formation mechanism of interface reaction layer between microporous magnesia refractories and molten steel and its effect on steel cleanliness

The ceramic filter in continuous casting tundish can effectively improve the cleanliness of high-performance steel by regulating tundish flow field to promote the removal of inclusions and adsorbing or blocking fine inclusions in the molten steel into the mold.The interaction between microporous magnesia refractories used as tundish filter and molten interstitial-free(IF)steel at 1873 K was investigated to reveal the formation mechanism of their interface layer and its effect on steel cleanliness by laboratory research and thermodynamic calculations.The results show that the magnesium–aluminum spinel layer at the interface between the molten IF steel and the microporous magnesia refractories is formed mainly by the reaction of MgO in the refractory with the[Al]and[O]in the molten steel,significantly reducing the total O content,the size and amount of inclusions of the molten steel.In addition,the interparticle phases of microporous magnesia refractories at high temperature can adsorb Al_(2)O_(3) and TiO_(2) inclusions in the molten steel into interparticle channels of the refractories to form high melting point spinel,impeding the further penetration of the molten steel.As a result,the consecutive interface layer of high melting point spinel between microporous magnesia refractories and molten steel can improve the cleanliness of the molten steel by adsorbing inclusions in the molten steel and avoid the direct dissolution of refractories of the tundish ceramic filter immersed in the molten steel,increasing their service life.

Effect of Phosphorus Grain Boundaries Segregation and Precipitations on Mechanical Properties for Ti-IF Steel after Recrystallization Annealing

The cold-rolled（75% reduction ratio） Ti-IF（interstitial-free） steels of 1 mm thickness were recrystallized by annealing at 810°C for different times.The microstructure,mechanical properties and phosphorus segregation at grain boundary were investigated by means of optical microscopy（OM）,tensile testing and field emission transmission electron microscopy（FE-TEM）.It was observed that recrystallization was completed after annealing at 810°C for 180 s.The yield strength and tensile strength decreased as annealing time increased.The FE-TEM observation showed that after the annealing treatment,the grain boundary was broadened and the dislocations with higher density of phosphorus atoms and phosphide at grain boundaries became evident.The amount of phosphorus segregated at grain boundaries increased with annealing time.

Correlation of surface features with corrosion behaviors of interstitial free steel processed by temper rolling

Temper rolling,as a final manufacturing procedure,brings the change of surface features and hence affects the corrosion behaviors of interstitial-free(IF)steel.This study investigates changes in residual stress,microstructure,and surface topography of IF steel using X-ray diffraction,electron backscatter diffraction,and optical interferometric microscopy.And the synthetic influence of surface features on the corrosion process of the steel was evaluated by damp heat tests and electrochemical measurements.Results showed that low tensile and compressive residual stresses are introduced to the surface of the IF steel.Some grains had a grain orientation spread(GOS)value greater than 0.50 after temper rolling.Moreover,temper rolling caused a slight change in the surface profile of the IF steel.The compressive residual stress had an overwhelming role at the macroscopic level,in retarding the corrosion evolution process of IF steel,as well as in decreasing the average corrosion rate.And corrosion was more likely to initiate and propagate in matrices with a high GOS value,which played the determinant role at the microscopic level.Moreover,the depth of valley in the surface profile could affect the diffusion process involved in the electrode reactions,which was more likely to exert an extra influence on the corrosion rate of IF steel.

Comparing the Fatigue and Corrosion Behavior of Nanograin and Coarse-Grain IF Steels

In the present work,a nanograin layer of about 150 μm thick was formed on the surface of an interstitial-free（IF） steel via friction stir processing.Then,the fatigue and corrosion behaviors of IF steel with nanograin layer were compared with that of coarse-structure counterpart.More than threefold increase in the hardness was observed due to the formation of nanograin layer.The size of nanograms in the stir zone was within 30-150 nm.This resulted in 50%increase in the fatigue strength of nanostructured specimen.Furthermore,the fracture surfaces were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.As for the fatigue behavior of nanograin IF steel,the fracture surface was characterized by the formation of nanospacing striations and nanodimples.Besides,the nanograin structure pronounced the passivity and exhibited higher corrosion resistance.