Effect of thermomechanical processing on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Nb–Ti microalloyed steel

Based on analysis of austenite deformation behaviour during thermomechanical processing of Nb–Ti microalloyed steel, the rolling schedules were designed to produce (i) recrystallized austenite, (ii) unrecrystallized austenite, and (iii) ferrite-pearlite. The effects of austenite conditioning on the final ferrite-pearlite microstructure and mechanical properties of steel were investigated. To rationalise the variation in final ferrite grain size with different thermomechanical processing schedules, it is necessary to consider the ferrite grain growth in addition, to the density of ferrite nucleation sites. Mechanical properties were the means to evaluate the variation in austenite solutioning and deformation conditions introduced into individual applied rolling schedules. The benefit of tensile tests, especially yield strength and ductility values, in determining the optimum deformation schedule and coiling condition for given steel is demonstrated.