Effect of TMCP parameters on the microstructure and properties of an Nb-Ti microalloyed steel

Abstract

Thermal mechanical control processing (TMCP), which includes combination of controlled rolling and controlled cooling, provides a powerful means of developing high-strength low alloy (HSLA) steels by intensive microstructural control. In the present investigation, the effects of TMCP parameters, consisting of the finish cooling temperature and the start rolling temperature in non-recrystallization region, on the final microstructure and mechanical properties of an Nb-Ti microalloyed steel has been studied by tensile, Charpy impact tests, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The TMCP parameters for Q460 grade steel have been optimized by laboratory experiments. The microstructure and properties of industrial product were coincident with the results of laboratory experiments. © 2005 ISIJ.