Copper bearing microalloyed ultrahigh strength steel on a pilot scale: Microstructure and properties

- New copper bearing microalloyed ultrahigh strength steel has been thermomechanically processed on a pilot scale.
- Transformation of the aforesaid steel during continuous cooling has been evaluated.
- Granular bainite and bainitic ferrite along with (Ti, Nb)C precipitates are obtained for air cooled steel.
- Primarily lath martensite along with microalloying precipitates is obtained for water quenched steel.
- Best combination of strength (1364-1403 MPa) and ductility (11-14%) is achieved in water quenched steel.