Effect of Boron on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Low-Carbon Tube Steel

Abstract

Effects of boron in low-carbon tube steel grade 17G1SU on nonmetallic inclusions, structure and mechanical properties were investigated. Experimental samples of rolled metal containing boron 0.006 and 0.011% are characterized by predominantly small, nonmetallic inclusions not more than 5 μm, which are represented by complex alumomagnesium spinels in the shell of manganese and calcium sulfides, and small silicate inclusions. Nonmetallic inclusions of comparative pipe steel sample, containing no boron characterized by the presence of larger inclusions presented complex oxysulfide and sulfide films. The main structural component of the comparative and experimental samples is ferrite. The introduction of boron is contributed by a decrease in the average size of ferritic grains from 8.7 μm (0% B) to 6.2 (0.006% B). Increasing the boron content to 0.011% leads to slight increase (up to 6.8 microns) of the size. The mechanical properties of 10 μm rolled metal pipe steel ensured the production of rolled products of strength class X80 without additional (thermal) treatment, as a result of the reduction in the size and shape of nonmetallic inclusions, and formation of dispersed structure.