Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Hardening of Hypereutectoid Pearlitic Steel During Cold Rolling

Microstructure evolution during different cold rolling after various reductions (from 0 to 81.6%) in a Hypereutectoid Pearlitic Steel was studied by SEM and TEM. The results showed that orientations of pearlitic lamellas result in non-homogeneous deformation; With the increasing reduction, microstructures can undergo evolution of “homogeneity→non-homogeneity→homogeneity”; XRD analysis indicated that cementite did not decompose and dissolve in the ferrite; Mechanical tests suggested that relationship between Rp0.2 and ɛwas in accord with Hollomon equation by Rp0.2= 1465ɛ0.18, therefore, yield strength of this steel after different reductions can be well predicted.