Micro Characterization of Hot-Rolled Plate of Nb-Bearing Grain-Oriented Silicon Steel

In this study, niobium was added into grain-oriented silicon steels, four Nb-bearing hot-rolled bands with Nb content range from 0–0.025 wt% were prepared and a detailed study of the micro characterization (microstructure, texture and precipitates) of hot-rolled bands was carried out by various analysis methods, such as EBSD and TEM. The results indicate that the precipitates in Nb-free steel are MnS and AlN; however, in the Nb-bearing steel they are MnS, AlN and Nb(C, N). The precipitates are finer and more dispersed in Nb-bearing steel, and a stronger pining force was obtained, which contributes to the finer microstructure and less recrystallization fractions of the hot-rolled bands. A larger volume fraction and stronger intensity of Goss texture is presented in steel with 0.025 wt% Nb due to the effective inhibiting effect. However, it has little effect on the changes of microstructure and texture when the Nb content is more than 0.009 wt%.

A simplified mathematical model for total temperature rise calculation in non-oriented silicon steel cold rolling deformation zone

In tandem cold rolling, the control of the temperature of high-grade non-oriented silicon steel is a difficult problem for its large deformation resistance and the preheating procedure before rolling. And it is complicated to calculate the total temperature rise of rolling deformation zone due to the comprehensive influence of the plastic deformation heat, the friction heat and the contact heat loss. So, to precisely calculate the total temperature rise, firstly, based on the four classical cold rolling force formulas, the initial total temperature rise calculation models are established correspondingly by theoretically analyzing the temperature rise of deformation heat, the temperature rise of friction heat and the temperature drop of contact heat loss; then, the model based on the improved Lian rolling force formula is adopted, which leads to calculated best matching the measured temperature; finally, considering the complex formula calculation of the initial model, based on the influences of different rolling parameters on the total temperature rise, a simplified model for convenient calculation is proposed by the nonlinear regression analysis of the initial model calculation results and main rolling parameters, which is convenient for the actual application by the field technicians.

Influence of Austempering of As-Cast Medium Carbon High-Silicon Steel on Wear Resistance

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of austempering compared to quenching and low-temperature tempering on wear resistance of an as-cast medium carbon high-silicon steel intended for rock breaking. Austempering was done by isothermal holding at 270, 300 and 350 °C in molten salt baths, while quenching was done in water. The austempering treatments resulted in microstructural combinations of bainite and martensite. The isothermal holding at 270 °C resulted in bainite and self-tempered martensite, while isothermal holdings at 300 and 350 °C resulted in bainite and untempered martensite. The two quench and temper treatments resulted in tempered martensite. In general austempering resulted in lower hardness values when compared to quenching and tempering but higher impact toughness. The wear resistance was best for quenching and low temperature tempering, followed by austempering at 270 °C, but at slightly lower hardness and 25% higher impact toughness. The other two austempering treatments resulted in worse wear resistance.

Effect of Slab Reheating Temperature on Cold Rolling Texture Evolution of Nb-Containing Grain-Oriented Silicon Steel

Texture control of grain-oriented silicon steel is the key factor to ensure the magnetic properties of the finished product. Nb-containing grain-oriented silicon steel with different slab reheating temperatures was hot rolled followed by single-stage or two-stage cold rolling, and the textures were also analyzed. In the single-stage cold rolling process, as the slab reheating temperature is reduced, the intensity of the rotating cube texture {100}<011> and Goss texture {011}<100> drops, and that of the {111}<112> texture increases. In the two-stage cold rolling process, with the decrease in the slab reheating temperature, the intensity of the {111}<112> texture increases from 4.958 to 6.809. At the same slab reheating temperature, the intensity of the rotating cube texture declines more significantly in the two-stage cold rolling process. Finally, two-stage cold rolling with the slab reheating temperature of 1220 °C is found to be more beneficial for the formation of a sharp Goss texture during the second recrystallization. The magnetic induction intensity B800 of the final product is 1.87T, and the iron loss P1.7/50 is 1.36 W/kg.