Effect of impurities on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a low carbon steel

Impurity elements of Cu, Ni, Sn and Cr have been added to a model low-carbon strip steel mimic the levels that could arise due increased scrap recycling during production. The microstructure tensile properties base composition impurity compositions after thermomechanical processing, consisting hot rolling simulated coil cooling, investigated. addition impurities results in lower bainite fraction, smaller effective grain size precipitation Cu-rich particles. Meanwhile, higher strength ductility are found with impurities.