Quantitative SAXS Analysis of Precipitate Characteristics Limiting Hot Ductility in HSLA Steels Containing V, Nb & NbTi

Hot ductility behavior between 700 and 1050°C is governed by precipitation phase transformation, which can cause cracking limit steel processing in other ways. Characterization of this with conventional microscopy techniques difficult due to the limited particle size, usually occurring on nanometer scale. Casting simulation hot tension testing were performed using a Gleeble 3500 generate property profile for high-strength low alloy (HSLA) steels containing Nb, Ti, V, N. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) was then used characterize precipitates Gleeble-tested samples order evaluate relationships measurements precipitate spacing, volume fraction. SAXS results showed that interparticle spacing fraction most significant factors influencing all tested grades. Specimens reduction-in-area ranging from 3–90% exhibited range data 5–80 nm 0.001–0.03%. It observed 10–20 0.01% detrimental ductility. Significant outcomes current study are density may be factor limiting laboratory-scale measurement represents viable method bulk characterization.