Fractographic Analysis of Mechanical Properties of Microalloyed Steel

Extensive efforts made over the past few decades have enhanced the rising performance of High-Strength Low-Alloy steels. Use of thermomechanical processing was considered for this research. However, the desired mechanical properties are obtained by formulating alloys. Further, to enhance mechanical properties, impact energy, the subsequent quenching and tempering are used. The metallurgical transformation caused by deformation followed by cooling and/or heat treatment has added influences on steels’ mechanical properties. The rational decrease in impact energy value is complex.

Thermodynamic Research on the Precipitation of Ti2O3, TiN and TiC in Continuous Casting of Titanium Microalloyed Steel

The composite precipitation of Ti2O3 + TiN during continuous casting has an important influence on the microstructure and properties of the slab. In order to study the precipitation conditions of Ti2O3, TiN and TiC second phase in titanium microalloyed steel, the solid-liquid phase line temperature, the initial precipitation temperature of different second phase, the equilibrium and actual solubility product of Ti2O3, TiN and TiC at different temperatures are calculated, and the precipitation rules of titanium microalloyed steel in liquid steel and two-phase region are analyzed. The results show that: Ti2O3 and TiN can precipitate in molten steel, and the precipitation order of Ti2O3 is prior to that of TiN, while TiC does not precipitate. Due to the enrichment of Ti, O, C and N in the liquid phase during solidification, the equilibrium precipitation conditions of Ti2O3 and TiN are reached when the temperature is lower than 1469°C of the liquidus, and the precipitation begins at the initial stage of solidification. When the temperature in the two-phase region is lower than 1332°C, the precipitation of TiC begins.

Visualization of Prior Austenite Grain Boundaries in Low-Carbon Steels

Knowledge of the size of the prior austenite grain is of key importance. If abnormal grain growth occurs during austenitization, the resultant inhomogeneous microstructure may negatively affect the strength and toughness properties of the final product. The visualization of prior austenite grain boundaries with an etchant based on picric acid has been applied for years. Despite this long-time experience, it is often challenging to achieve sufficiently good visualization of prior austenite grain boundaries in many steel grades, especially low-carbon steels. This work will study the effect of the cooling rate from austenitizing temperature down to room temperature, of the subsequent tempering treatment and the etchant on the visualization of prior austenite grain boundaries in a low-carbon microalloyed steel. All these parameters have an impact on the etching result. A suitable etchant for the visualization of prior austenite grain boundaries in a low-carbon microalloyed steel could be found.