Strain-induced precipitation and softening behaviors of high Nb microalloyed steels

► The effects of Nb in solution or precipitates on static softening were researched. ► The Ps is linearly related to the content of supersaturated Nb. ► The softening ratio is linear with dissolved Nb content before the Nb precipitation. ► The softening ratio is linearly related to the content of precipitated Nb. ► The precipitates have more strong effect on retarding the static recrystallization.