Mechanical behavior of novel phosphoric irons for concrete reinforcement applications

The tensile properties of three different phosphoric irons (Fe–0.11P–0.028C, Fe–0.32P–0.026C and Fe–0.49P–0.022C, in wt.%) have been evaluated and compared with that of a commercial thermomechanically treated low carbon steel concrete reinforcement bar (Fe–0.148C–0.542Mn–0.128Si). The tensile properties of phosphoric iron containing 0.32 wt.% phosphorus, which was heat treated at the (α + γ) dual phase region, were comparable to that of the commercial bar. The mechanical behavior has been understood based on metallography and fractography. The importance of keeping phosphorus away from the grain boundaries has been emphasized.