Strengthening from Nb-rich clusters in a Nb-microalloyed steel Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • We demonstrate that a Nb-microalloyed ultra-thin cast strip steel can be strengthened substantially without compromising ductility by performing a simple heat treatment at 700 C for 4 min. The strengthening was attributed to a fine dispersion of Nb-rich solute atom clusters. These clusters had an average size of 60 atoms at peak hardness and resembled Guinier-Preston zones in Al-Cu alloys. The application of the Ashby-Orowan equation indicates that these clusters are potent strengthening agents when compared to conventional Nb(C,N) precipitation strengthening. 2012 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

published proceedings

  • SCRIPTA MATERIALIA

author list (cited authors)

  • Xie, K. Y., Zheng, T., Cairney, J. M., Kaul, H., Williams, J. G., Barbaro, F. J., Killmore, C. R., & Ringer, S. P.

citation count

  • 76

complete list of authors

  • Xie, Kelvin Y||Zheng, Tianxiao||Cairney, Julie M||Kaul, Harold||Williams, James G||Barbaro, Frank J||Killmore, Chris R||Ringer, Simon P

publication date

  • May 2012