Influence of Thermal Processing Routes on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Microalloyed High-Strength Steel

Hot-rolled microalloyed steels can be challenging to heat treat because they tend to segregate and recrystallize. However, regardless of the starting microstructure, thermal processing can significantly influence the final microstructure and mechanical properties. Additionally, the thermal processing times can be substantially impactful. To explore these effects, hot-rolled microalloyed medium-carbon steel was processed via three routes: single normalization, double normalization and extended normalization in a roller hearth furnace. These steels were then quenched and tempered, and the mechanical properties such as tempered hardness, tensile, and Charpy V-notch testing. The extended normalization approach yields the best balance of properties.

Authors:

Dr. Viraj Ashok Athavale | Nucor Steel Memphis Inc.
 

Esperanza Lopez | Nucor Steel Memphis Inc.
 

Dr. Abhishek Kumar | Nucor Steel Memphis Inc.
 

Session Chairs:

Siddhartha Biswas | Big River Steel
 

Venkata Natarajan | Big River Steel