Effect of Nb content on strength of Nb micro-alloyed steels

Microstructures and properties of three Nb micro-alloyed steels were studied through hot rolling experiment. The result indicates that the ferrite grain size （dF ） decreases with increasing Nb content （Nb）, and the bainite fraction （fB） increases with increasing Nb content （Nb）. The effect of ferrite grain size （dF） on yield strength （δy） is related to Nb content （Nb）, and the effect of bainite fraction （fB） on yield strength （δy） is unrelated to Nb content （Nb）. Modelling of yield strength （δy） for Nb micro-alloyed steels with high accuracy has been built up with Nb content （Nb） and bainite fraction （fB） taken into account as new parameters, and formulas for ferrite grain size （dF ） and bainite fraction （fB） vs Nb content （Nb） have also been established under the experiment conditions. The research results could provide instructions for industrial productions.

Friction and wear behavior and mechanism of low carbon microalloyed steel containing Nb

Dry sliding friction and wear test of Nb containing low carbon microalloyed steel was carried out at room temperature,and the effect of Nb on the wear behavior of the steel,as welll as the mechanism was studied.Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry(EDS) were employed to analyze the morphology and composition of the worn surface,and the structure evolution of the plastic deformation layer.The carbide content and type in the steel were analyzed by the electrolytic extraction device and X-ray diffraction(XRD).The experimental results demonstrate that the addition of 0.2% Nb can refine the grain and generate Nb C to improve the wear resistance of the steel.By enhancing the load and speed of wear experiment,the wear mechanism of the test steel with 0.2% Nb changes from slight oxidation wear to severe adhesion wear and oxidation wear.Compared with the load,the increase in the rotation speed exerts a greater influence on the wear of the test steel.

Mg处理Nb-Ti微合金钢中非金属夹杂物演变机理研究

在工业生产条件下,对Nb-Ti微合金钢进行Mg处理试验,分析了Mg处理条件下,微合金钢中非金属夹杂物的演变规律。结果表明,微合金钢经过铝脱氧产物主要为Al_(2)O_(3)夹杂,进行Ca处理后,Al_(2)O_(3)夹杂减少,转变为CaO-Al_(2)O_(3)夹杂,且部分MnS夹杂转变为CaS夹杂;精炼阶段将Ca处理改为Mg处理后,可将铝脱氧产物Al_(2)O_(3)夹杂变性为MgO-Al_(2)O_(3)夹杂。Mg处理前,夹杂物在LF主要是Al_(2)O_(3)夹杂,进行Mg处理和Ti合金化后,钢中主要夹杂物变为MgO-Al_(2)O_(3)夹杂、MgO夹杂和TiN夹杂,最终在铸坯中的夹杂物为MgO-Al_(2)O_(3)外包裹CaS/MnS和(Nb、Ti)N复合夹杂。对Ca处理和Mg处理的夹杂物尺寸进行对比,夹杂物尺寸主要分布在5μm以内,Mg处理形成的2μm以内的夹杂物占比高于Ca处理工艺,表明镁处理可以较好地细化夹杂物,形成大量弥散分布的细小夹杂,有助于提升钢的综合力学性能。

Improving mechanical properties and high-temperature oxidation of press hardened steel by adding Cr and Si

This work investigated the effect of Cr and Si on the mechanical properties and oxidation resistance of press hardened steel.Results indicated that the microstructure of the Cr-Si micro-alloyed press hardened steel consisted of lath martensite,M_(23)C_(6)carbides,and retained austenite.The retained austenite and carbides are responsible for the increase in elongation of the micro-alloyed steel.In addition,after oxidation at 930℃for 5 min,the thickness of the oxide scales on the Cr-Si micro-alloyed press hardened steel is less than 5μm,much thinner than 45.50μm-thick oxide scales on 22MnB5.The oxide scales of the Cr-Si micro-alloyed steel are composed of Fe_(2)O_(3),Fe_(3)O_(4),mixed spinel oxide(FeCr_(2)O_(4)and Fe_(2)SiO_(4)),and amorphous SiO_(2).Adding Cr and Si significantly reduces the thickness of the oxide scales and prevents the generation of the FeO phase.Due to the increase of spinel FeCr_(2)O_(4)and Fe_(2)SiO_(4)phase in the inner oxide scale and the amorphous SiO_(2)close to the substrate,the oxidation resistance of the Cr-Si micro-alloyed press hardened steel is improved.

Effect of Mo on the continuous cooling transformation behavior of Nb-Ti micro-alloyed low carbon steel

The effect of molybdenum on the continuous cooling transformation behavior of the micro-alloyed low carbon steel containing niobium and titanium was investigated by a Gleeble 3800 thermo-mechanical simulator. The phase transformation temperature of the steel at various cooling rates was detected. The microstmcture was observed by optical microscope （OM） and scanning electronic microscope （ SEM）, and its Vickers hardness was tested. Based on these, its dynamic continuous cooling transformation （CCT） diagrams were determined. The results show that the transformation temperature from deformed austenite to acicular ferrite （AF） is decreased when Mo is added, and the formation of pro- eutectoid ferrite （F） and pearlite （P） is either inhabited or postponed. Mo can also enlarge the range of the cooling rate in forming AF, and refine the microstructure effectively.

Nb含量对X70钢级直缝埋弧焊管组织及强韧性的影响

检测了Nb含量为0.046%和0.075%的X70直缝埋弧焊管的强韧性,分析了管体的微观组织。结果表明:随着Nb含量升高,管体的平均晶粒尺寸减小,组织由PF+B_(粒)转变为以B_(粒)为主;管体横向拉伸应力-应变曲线均为典型的“拱顶”型,拉伸性能均满足要求,但含量为0.075%Nb的管体的横向屈服强度和抗拉强度较高;Nb含量相同时,C含量越高,其屈服强度和抗拉强度越高;含量为0.075%Nb的钢管具有更好的低温冲击韧性,但含量为0.046%Nb的钢管的韧-脆转变曲线具有更高的上平台能。Nb含量较高、C含量较低的钢管的热影响区也具有更好的低温韧性。探讨了C、Nb元素的含量及组织类型、析出相和位错密度对X70管线钢强韧性的影响。

热处理工艺及Nb微合金化对9Ni钢组织性能的影响

为了适应LNG燃料罐、储罐使用需要,对9Ni钢进行冶炼、轧制关键工艺控制,研究两相区热处理工艺及Nb微合金化对组织性能的影响。结果表明,随着亚温淬火温度的升高,屈服强度、抗拉强度、屈强比先降低后升高。随着回火温度的升高,屈服强度与抗拉强度逐渐降低,伸长率升高;当回火温度为600℃时,屈服强度与抗拉强度达到最低值,伸长率达到最高值。亚温淬火态组织呈现大、小晶粒并存状态,有助于降低钢板屈强比。Nb微合金化9Ni钢板成品组织主要为回火索氏体组织及3%~8%残余奥氏体。0.015%Nb的加入使9Ni钢平均屈服强度提高约50 MPa,抗拉强度提高约40 MPa,-196℃横向夏比V型冲击吸收能提高约40 J。

中碳CrMo钢中Ti、Nb液析形貌及生成机理分析

通过观察微合金Ti、Nb、V在42CrMo钢连铸坯中的液析形貌,以及液析经加热轧制后的变化,同时,采用热力学计算的方式推导液析生成机理。结果表明,在含w[Ti]0.012%、w[Nb]0.030%、w[V]0.030%、w[N]0.003 5%的42CrMo钢410 mm×530 mm连铸坯中,可观察到Ti、Nb以复合碳氮化物的形式析出,形成微米级液析,w[Ti]较高(70%~83%)的多呈多边形块状,w[Nb]较高(70%~85%)的多呈薄膜状或不规则块状,液析中基本不含V元素;Ti和Nb的碳氮化物液析可互溶并共同生长,Nb含量较高的液析以Ti含量较高的液析为核心长大为块状,部分液析以含硫夹杂物为核心形核并长大;连铸坯心部的碳氮化物液析较多,并且尺寸较大(最长达35μm),连铸坯表面的数量较少,尺寸较小(10μm以下);连铸坯经1 200℃加热并轧制后,液析可部分回溶,数量减少,尺寸减小,并且在轧制过程中破碎。

Balanced solubility product and enthalpies of formation of Nb compounds in 0.09 % oriented silicon steel

Balance solubility products and enthalpy of for- mation for NbC0.75, NbC0.85, NbC0.88, NbC and NbN in oriented silicon steels were calculated and compared quali- tatively. Meanwhile, the mixing enthalpies of these five Nb compounds were calculated based on Miedema Model. The results show that the solubility products of Nb compounds in ferrite and austenite meet the following relationship, NbC0.75 〉 NbC0.85 〉 NbC0.88 〉 NbC 〉 NbN and NbN has the minimum enthalpy of formation. It indicates that NbN easily precipitate out, but it is more difficult for NbC0.75.

Mathematical Modelling of Carbonitride Precipitation during Hot Working in Nb Microalloyed Steels

Based on thermodynamics and kinetics, precipitation behavior of microalloyed steels was analyzed. Deformation greatly promotes isothermal carbonitride precipitation and makes C-curve shift leftwards. The position and shape of C-curve also depend on the content of Nb and N. C-curve shifts leftwards a little when N content increases and the nose temperature is raised with increasing Nb content. Deformation shortened precipitation start time during continuous cooling, raised precipitation start temperature, accelerated precipitation kinetics of carbonitrides. With decreasing the finishing temperature and coiling temperature, the precipitates volume fraction increases and strength increment is raised during hot rolling. The simulated results are in agreement with experiment results.

Mechanism of the Interfacial Reaction of AI_2O_3/Medium Mn Steel Containing Nb

The mechanism of the interfacial reaction of Al_2O_3/medium Mn steel containing Nb was studied by means of the observation on the interfacial reaction phenomenon of Al_2O_3/medium Mn steel,and the analyses on the interracial phases.The results show that when T≥1550℃,the interfacial reac- tion of Al_2O_3/medium Mn steel containing Nb happened.In the medium Mn steel matrix,Nb exists in the form of NbC.NbC are the nucleating base of CO gas bubbles.

Precipitation Behavior of Nb in Steel under Ultra Fast Cooling Conditions

By measuring the expansion curves of a Nb bearing steel at different cooling rates by using Gleeble-3800 thermomechanical simulator, combining with metallographic analysis, different phase zones were determined. Also, precipitation behavior of Nb at different phase zones was investigated under ultra fast cooling conditions. The experimental results showed that adopting a proper deformation temperature, the ultra fast cooling process can restrain the precipitation of Nb at austenite phase zone. More quantities and smaller size precipitates of Nb can be found at the ferrite or bainite phase zone by controlling the ultra fast cooling ending temperature. With the increase of holding time at austenite, ferrite and bainite phase zones respectively, the volume fraction of precipitation, density, and average size of precipitates will increase obviously. With the decrease of early ultra fast cooling ending temperature, the density of Nb precipitates first increase（at ferrite phase zone） and then decrease（at bainite phase zone）, the volume fraction of Nb precipitation decreases and precipitates can be refined. The optimal early ultra fast cooling ending temperature is located at ferrite phase zone. The combination of high rolling temperature with early ultra fast cooling technology opens the way for new cooling schedules and makes the production of high strength steels easier and cheaper by making full use of Nb precipitation strengthening effect.

Bainite Transformation Under Continuous Cooling of Nb-Microalloyed Low Carbon Steel

Utilizing Gleeble-1500 thermomechanical simulator, the influences of hot deformation parameters on continuous cooling bainite transformation in Nb-microalloyed low carbon steel were investigated. The results indicate that bainite starting temperature decreases with raising cooling rate and increases with increasing deformation temperature. Deformation has an accelerative effect on the bainite transformation when the specimens are deformed at 950 ℃. When the deformation temperature increases, the effect of deformation on bainite starting temperature is weakened. The amount of bainite is influenced by strain, cooling rate, and deformation temperature. When the specimens are deformed below 900 ℃, equiaxed ferrites are promoted and the bainite transformation is suppressed.

Role of Rare Earth in Low Sulphur Nb-Ti-Bearing Steel

The effect of rare earth on the microstructures, mechanical properties and inclu sions in low sulphur Nb-Ti-bearing steel were investigated. It is shown that t h e transverse yield point, the traverse tensile strength and elongation of testin g steels decrease initially and then rise with increasing content of rare earth. The impact energy values of the testing steels exhibit a contrary trend. Proper amount of rare earth in the steels can improve the anisotropy of impact toughne ss above -20 ℃ and it does not affect the type of microstructures which ar e st ill composed of ferrites and pearlites, but the pearlite amount increases. On one hand, rare earth cleans the molten steel and reduces the amount of inclusions; on the other hand, rare earth makes the inclusions spheroidizd, refi ned and dispersed, and thus improves the distribution of inclusions.

Effects of contents of Nb and C on hot deformation behaviors of high Nb X80 pipeline steels

The behavior of the flow deformation and the effects of contents of Nb and C on deformation behaviors of high Nb X80 pipeline steels during hot compression deformation were studied by thermal simulation test. The content of solid solution Nb was quantificationally studied during the reheating and hot deformation process, and the effects of change of solid solution Nb in steels on hot deformation behaviors were discussed. The results show that the contents of Nb and C have great effects on the flow stress behaviors of high Nb X80 pipeline steels. When the C content in steels is constant, the recrystallization activation energy increases from 387 to 481 kJ/mol with increasing the Nb from 0.082% to 0.13% (mass fraction). However, the effect of Nb is correlative to the C content, i.e. w(Nb)/w(C). When w(Nb)/w(C) decreases from 3.61 to 2.18, the recrystallization activation energy decreases from 481 to 434 kJ/mol.

The effect of V-Nb on the growth of austenite grains in 17CrNiMo6 gear steel

This study researches the effect of V-Nb on the growth of austenite grains in 17CrNiMo6 carburized gear steel. Results show that the carbonitride in V and Nb acts as second-phase particles in the steel, which can be used to block the migration of grain boundaries and the thinning of the austenite grains. This causes the crystals in the V-Nb microalloy 17CrNiMo6 steel to coarsen and the temperature to rise, thus reducing the cost of the carbonization that follows processing on the gears.

Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Nb-Ti Bearing Hot-rolled TRIP Steels

Nb-Tihot-rolled TRIP-assisted steel with high plasticity and appropriate volume percentage of retained austenite based on fine ferrite grain have been developed in the experiment. The test results showed that niobium tend to exist in solution state in matrix with less precipitation, and niobium-titanium could be precipitated in form of （Nb, Ti）C or （Nb, Ti） （C, N）, which play an important role in increasing yield strength （from 495 MPa to 610 MPa）. Besides, the retained austenite had a positive effect on improving the plasticity by transformation into martensite during tensile deformation.

Dynamic Recrystallization Behaviour of Nb-Ti Microalloyed Steels

The dynamic recrystallization （DRX） behavior of Nb-Ti microalloyed steels was investigated by isothermal single compression tests in the temperature range of 900-1 150 ℃ at constant strain rates of 0.1-5 s^-1. DRX was retarded effectively at low temperature due to the onset of dynamic precipitation of Nb and Ti carbonitrides, resulting in higher values of the peak strain. An expression was developed for the activation energy of deformation as a function of the contents of Nb and Ti in solution as well as other alloying elements. A new value of corrective factor was determined and applied to quantify the retardation produced by increase in the amount of Nb and Ti dissolved at the reheating temperature. The ratio of critical strain to peak strain decreases with increasing equivalent Nb content. In addition, the effects of Ti content and deformation conditions on DRX kinetics and steady state grain size were determined. Finally, the kinetics of dynamic precipitation was determined and effect of dynamic precipitation on the onset of DRX was clarified based on the comparison between precipitate pinning force and recrystallization driving force.

MODELING OF STATIC RECRYSTALLIZATION KINETICS OF Nb-BEARING STEELS

By using isothermal double hit compression tests and applying the 2% offset method, a new model was developed to predict the microstructural evolution of Nb-bearing steels at temperatures above and below the start temperature of strain-induced precipitation （Tp）. The Tp was developed as a function of true strain, initial austenite grain size and the Nb content. The activation energy of static recrystallization （Qrex） was expressed as a function of the content of different alloy elements. It was found that Nb played the most important role in increasing the value of Qrex, The microstructural observations and measurements confirmed the validity of the model developed in the present investigation.

Effect of Nb on the transformation kinetics of low carbon(manganese) steel during deformation of undercooled austenite

The hot compression tests using Gleeble 1500 were performed by varying the true strain up to 1.6 （80% reduction） in Nbfree and Nb-microalloyed steels. The effect of Nb addition on the transformation kinetics during deformation of undercooled austenite was investigated. It was found that as compared with Nb-free steel, the transformation incubation period of Nb-bearing steel was prolonged and the transformation kinetics curves parallelly moved to higher strain because of the solute Nb drag effect. Studies on kinetics also showed that the deformation-enhanced ferrite transformation （DEFT） of the two steels were composed of three stages, which can be expressed by the J-M-A equations individually. However, the parameter n related to the mode of nucleation and growth is somewhat different in the first and second stages of the two steels, and the same in the third stage for both the steels corresponding to the nucleation Of retained austenite.