Mechanical properties and hot-rolled microstructures of a low carbon bainitic steel with Cu–P alloying

A low carbon bainitic steel with Cu–P alloying was developed. The new steel aims to meet the demand of high strength, high toughness and resistance to chloride ion corrosion for the components used in the environment of sea water and oceanic atmosphere. Mechanical properties of the steel were tested and strengthening and toughening mechanisms were analyzed by comparing hot-rolled microstructures of the low carbon bainitic steels with and without Cu–P alloying. The results show that Cu–P alloying provided strong solution strengthening with weak effect on ductility. The toughness loss caused by Cu–P alloying could be balanced by increasing the amount of martensite/remained austenite (M/A island) at lower finishing temperature. The static recovery process during rolling interval was delayed by the interaction of phosphorous, copper atoms with dislocations, which was favorable to the formation of bainitic plates. Super-fine Nb(C, N) particles precipitated on dislocations had coherency with bainite ferrite at 830 °C finishing temperature. Raising finishing temperature to 880 °C, Nb(C, N) particles were prone to coarsening and losing coherency. It was also found that no accurate lattice match relationship among retained austenite, martensite and bainite in granular bainitic microstructure.

► Mechanical properties and microstructures of low carbon bainite steel are examined.
► Cu–P alloying promotes strengthening and uniform plastic deformation.
► Cu–P alloying delays recovery process during rolling interval.
► Lowering rolling temperature is favorable to increasing toughness.