Characterization and properties of oxide scales on hot-rolled strips

The characterization of oxide scale formed on hot-rolled strips is of great importance to subsequent processing such as pickling and cold rolling. The current study indicated that there is a complex relationship of pickling to the scales properties, involving grain size, phases and grain boundary character. By means of electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), the microstructure and phases were clearly identified. The experimental results show that the oxide scale in large grain size is easily pickled; and FeO is easily resolved in acid than Fe3O4. In addition, the scale with high percentage of random grain boundaries is also easily pickled.