Effect of Different Normalizing Processes on Microstructure, Precipitation Behavior and Mechanical Properties of V-Ti-Micro-Alloyed Steel Alloys

Abstract

Normalizing is an effective heat treatment in improving the microstructure and developing the mechanical properties of micro-alloyed steel. The normalizing parameters such as temperature and holding time are the main keys to microstructure and mechanical properties controlling. Therefore, obtaining an optimum combination of mechanical properties must be subjected to an ideal combination of these parameters. Furthermore, adjusting the optimum normalizing parameters must be considered for every chemical composition depending on the critical transformation temperatures. In this work, four micro-alloyed steel alloys containing V (0.008-0.1wt %) and Ti (0.002-0.072) were held on different normalizing temperatures for 30 minutes. The first holding temperature was carried out just above the Ac3 temperature and the second was carried out above the Ac3 by 100°C (Ac3+100°C). With the controlled normalizing condition, V-Ti-micro-alloyed steel alloy has produced an ultra-fine structure of grain size 2.2 microns and combined high strength of 725 MPa YS, 1058 MPa UTS and good ductility of 20%.