Microstructural refinement and precipitation behavior of low carbon steel produced by compact strip production

Abstract

Microstructure evolution and precipitation of low carbon steel produced by compact strip production (CSP) was investigated by means of scan electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis and small angle X-ray scattering technique. It was found that the remarkable grain refinement can be attained by a large number of oxide and sulfide dispersive precipitates, and combining with the rapid solidification during continuous casting as well, which have dominant effect on strengthening. Consequently, the precipitation strengthening based on CSP process is also discussed in this paper. © 2008 ISIJ.