{"title":"Role of Solidification Behavior and Various Processing Routes on Microstructure–Property Correlation in Medium-Mn Steels with and without Nickel: Recent Progresses and Perspectives","authors":"Navanit Kumar, Tapas Kumar Bandyopadhyay","doi":"10.1002/srin.202400859","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/srin.202400859","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Variations in alloying contents, thermo-mechanical processing (TMP), and heat treatment (HT) routes provide a range of excellent mechanical properties in medium-Mn steels (MMnS). However, solidification defects limit the industrial production of MMnS as it belongs to the peritectic class of alloys. Considering recent progress, it mandates a comprehensive review of the role of solidification behavior and various processing routes on microstructure–property correlation. Hence, the present article addresses microstructure evolution during solidification, TMP, HT, and corresponding mechanical properties. Quenching & partitioning (Q&P) and intercritical annealing (IA) are considered for the present review. It is observed that δ-ferrite transforms to austenite by a massive transformation mechanism after the peritectic reaction. High strength but low elongation is found in Q&P as compared to IA MMnS. Further, the occurrence of discontinuous yielding is associated with both HT routes. However, it is preventable with process parameters. Ni addition generally enhances the strength–ductility balance in comparison with Ni-free MMnS. However, it primarily depends on microstructural characteristics such as phase fraction, distribution, morphology, degree of recrystallization, precipitates, and retained austenite stability. Thus, optimum processing routes can be designed considering the aforementioned factors.</p>","PeriodicalId":21929,"journal":{"name":"steel research international","volume":"96 9","pages":"26-47"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145037792","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Guanwei Zhou, Weiqiang Liu, Yaowei Yu, Henrik Saxén
{"title":"Advancing Blast Furnace Thermal State Prediction: A Data-Driven Approach Using Thermocouple Integration and Multimodal Modeling","authors":"Guanwei Zhou, Weiqiang Liu, Yaowei Yu, Henrik Saxén","doi":"10.1002/srin.202400896","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/srin.202400896","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study develops a data-driven framework to predict the thermal state of blast furnaces using feature fusion from thermocouple data and spatial temperature distribution. The article proposes a hybrid framework based on multimodal integration and clustering algorithms, utilizing data extracted from thermocouples and the temperature distribution features around the furnace hearth. Through these fused features, multiple ensemble models are constructed to predict the thermal state of the blast furnace, with a focus on the thermocouple readings at the hearth. This method enhances understanding of the thermal state of the blast furnace, aiming to improve prediction accuracy and operational reliability. By validating the model with actual industrial data, its effectiveness in thermal state monitoring is demonstrated. The integration of multimodal data sources allows for the extraction of rich information from the thermocouple data, significantly enhancing the model's predictive performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":21929,"journal":{"name":"steel research international","volume":"96 9","pages":"433-447"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145037794","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Optimization of Plasticity and Toughness in 10.5Cr–1.5W–2.0Mn Ferritic/Martensitic Steel through Deep Cryogenic Processing","authors":"Wen Zeng, Shiqiang He, Wei Zhang, Risheng Qiu, Ming Zhou, Hiroaki Abe","doi":"10.1002/srin.202400922","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/srin.202400922","url":null,"abstract":"<p>\u0000The effect of deep cryogenic treatment (DCT) on microstructure and mechanical properties of 10.5Cr–1.5W–2.0Mn ferritic/martensitic steel is studied. The results show that DCT has little effect on the hardness and strength of steels, while the plasticity and toughness of steels can be significantly influenced by DCT. An appropriate DCT process can greatly improve the plasticity and toughness of steels. The impact toughness and elongation of the steel through 2-cycle DCT are 28.8 and 30.8% higher than the steel without DCT, respectively. The results of microstructure show DCT-refined martensitic laths/blocks, reduced carbide size, increased carbide volume fraction, and increased dislocation density. The fine-grain strengthening effect caused by the refinement of martensitic laths/blocks improves the plasticity and toughness of the steel, while the dislocation strengthening effect caused by the increase of dislocation density and the precipitation strengthening effect caused by the precipitation of fine carbides reduce the plasticity and toughness of the steel.</p>","PeriodicalId":21929,"journal":{"name":"steel research international","volume":"96 9","pages":"397-407"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145038573","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Contents: steel research int. 2/2025","authors":"","doi":"10.1002/srin.202570023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/srin.202570023","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21929,"journal":{"name":"steel research international","volume":"96 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/srin.202570023","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143120748","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Non-Newtonian Fluid Mold Flux: From Fundamental Research to Industrial Application","authors":"Yiwei Cui, Sheng Gao, Baochen Han, Yaxu Zheng, Zhihong Guo, Zhipeng Yuan, Liguang Zhu","doi":"10.1002/srin.202400378","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/srin.202400378","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The development of high-speed continuous casting has significantly enhanced the efficiency and quality of steel production. Throughout the research process, substantial advancements have been made in the study and application of non-Newtonian fluid mold flux to better satisfy the performance requirements of high-speed continuous casting. In this article, a comprehensive review of the working principles, performance criteria, and relevant research advancements related to non-Newtonian fluid mold flux is offered, drawing on recent findings and the contributions of the author's team. Herein, it is proposed that future research should increasingly utilize advanced methodologies such as molecular simulation, first principles, and machine learning to further investigate mold flux. Additionally, the limitations and current application status of non-Newtonian fluid mold flux research are evaluated. The future development trajectory of non-Newtonian fluid mold flux is summarized and forecasted, providing valuable guidance for researchers in the field of metallurgy.</p>","PeriodicalId":21929,"journal":{"name":"steel research international","volume":"96 9","pages":"48-60"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145038550","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Impact of Y and Nb on 321 Stainless Steel in Supercritical Water","authors":"Yongqiang Fu, Zhigang Wang, Weihao Cai, Qiangqiang Yuan, Baixiong Liu, Fei Wang","doi":"10.1002/srin.202400903","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/srin.202400903","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Four different steels are designed and fabricated, denoted as 321, 321-Y, 321-Nb, and 321-NbY, to investigate the effects of 0.5wt%Nb and 0.015wt%Y on the microstructure and mechanical properties. The results show that the addition of Y and Nb promotes the spheroidization of square-shaped TiN/Ti(C, N). Heterogeneous nucleation is induced by Y through inclusions formed by Y, O, and S, whereas heterogeneous nucleation is induced by Nb through the NbC wrapping effect. The addition of Nb promotes the precipitation of small-sized (Ti, Nb)(C, N) particles. Nb promotes the formation of <i>δ</i>-ferrite, while Y inhibits its formation. Compared to 321 steel, Y has little effect on the strength of steel, while the addition of Nb decreases the tensile strength from 301 to 250 MPa and increases the yield strength from 192 to 210 MPa. Both Nb and Y enhance the steel's reduction of area. Compared to 321 steel, the co-addition of Nb and Y increases the reduction of area from 70.2 to 89.2%.</p>","PeriodicalId":21929,"journal":{"name":"steel research international","volume":"96 9","pages":"321-331"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145038551","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Thermal Simulation of MnS Evolution in Solidification of a Low-Carbon Alloy Steel Bloom","authors":"Huazhi Yuan, Saihao Song, Xin Xie, Mengting Fang, Xiangru Chen, Lijuan Li, Honggang Zhong, Qijie Zhai","doi":"10.1002/srin.202400812","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/srin.202400812","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The continuous casting process of a newly developed low-carbon alloy steel is simulated using a thermal simulation method to investigate the evolution of MnS inclusion. The results indicate that MnS mainly appears as aggregated small-sized spherical shapes (type I MnS) in the chill zone of the bloom, while in columnar zone, it tends to form strip-like or irregular morphologies (type II MnS), and no type III MnS is observed. The size of MnS increases from the surface to the center of the samples, with the maximum equivalent diameter increasing from 1.2 to 6.0 μm. A model, considering the effects of solute redistribution and cooling rate, is established to calculate the precipitation and growth of MnS in continuous casting bloom, which is achieved by coupling theoretical calculations with the discrete solidification units. The calculated results demonstrate that sulfur segregation is the controlling factor for the precipitation and growth of MnS, which are well consistent with experiments. This work suggests that enhancing the cooling rate in the secondary cooling zone or improving homogenization of this new low-carbon alloy steel bloom can effectively reduce the growth rate of MnS and mitigate the formation of type II MnS.</p>","PeriodicalId":21929,"journal":{"name":"steel research international","volume":"96 9","pages":"408-419"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145038552","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Han Zhang, Hongxin Zhao, Zhangfu Yuan, Bingsheng Xu, Ke Liu, Linfei Zhao, Dong Kong
{"title":"Thermodynamic Evaluation of Enhanced CO2 Conversion in Innovative Slag Splashing Processes in Converters","authors":"Han Zhang, Hongxin Zhao, Zhangfu Yuan, Bingsheng Xu, Ke Liu, Linfei Zhao, Dong Kong","doi":"10.1002/srin.202400918","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/srin.202400918","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The innovative slag splashing technique enhances the recycling of CO<sub>2</sub> in the steel industry. However, thermodynamic experiments overestimate CO<sub>2</sub> conversion because the temperature drop in the process is not taken into account. Therefore, FactSage is employed to reevaluate it. Calculations are validated by comparison with experiments. It is found that employing CO<sub>2</sub> for the slag splashing process leads to a decrease in equilibrium temperature. Increasing the carbon addition enhances CO generation and CO<sub>2</sub> conversion but results in a further reduced temperature. Elevating the temperatures of the slag and CO<sub>2</sub> has no effect on CO generation and CO<sub>2</sub> conversion. However, it proves beneficial for increasing the equilibrium temperature. As the most effective measure, increasing the FeO content in the slag improves CO<sub>2</sub> conversion while significantly lowering the slag solid fraction. When the initial FeO content is 17.24 mass%, the initial temperature is 1873 K, and the CO<sub>2</sub> temperature is 300 K, the optimal carbon addition is 1.5 mass%. By increasing the slag and CO<sub>2</sub> temperatures and elevating the initial FeO content, the carbon addition can reach 3.0 mass%, and CO<sub>2</sub> conversion reaches 53.29%.</p>","PeriodicalId":21929,"journal":{"name":"steel research international","volume":"96 9","pages":"310-320"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145038527","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jie Kang, Zixuan Hu, Yu Liu, Jingbin Liang, Yihang Duan, Wang Li, Dayong Wu, Dong Li, Haikun Ma, Ru Su, Qing Li
{"title":"Unveiling the Role of Carbide in the Wear Behavior of M42 High-Speed Steel Containing Rare Earth: Insights from Wear and Damage Mechanism Maps","authors":"Jie Kang, Zixuan Hu, Yu Liu, Jingbin Liang, Yihang Duan, Wang Li, Dayong Wu, Dong Li, Haikun Ma, Ru Su, Qing Li","doi":"10.1002/srin.202400824","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/srin.202400824","url":null,"abstract":"<p>In this paper, the wear behavior of M42 high speed steel (HSS) cutting tools containing rare earth elements has been investigated to reveal the role of carbides with diverse sizes in the wear of M42 HSS. A wear map and damage mechanism map for M42 HSS containing rare earth have been established. Based on the magnitude of wear rates, the wear map can be divided into three regions: mild wear, medium wear, and severe wear. As contact stress and sliding velocity increase, the damage mechanism evolves through three stages: initial slight scratching with fewer microvoids from the detachment of small-sized carbides, followed by increased scratching with more microvoids, and culminating in severe oxidation characterized by extensive microvoids due to the fracture and detachment of larger carbides. Carbide spalling in various sizes emerges as a key factor contributing to microstructural damage and the deterioration of wear performance in M42 HSS. A quantitative correlation between carbide spalling and wear rate has been established, identifying critical thresholds of carbide spalling proportions that indicate the transition from mild to severe wear.</p>","PeriodicalId":21929,"journal":{"name":"steel research international","volume":"96 9","pages":"299-309"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145038225","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pu Wang, Haijie Wang, Liang Chen, Ze Zhang, Gang Chen, Deguo Fan, Jiaquan Zhang
{"title":"Continuous Casting Soft Reduction Control of Macro-/Semimacro Synergistic Homogeneity of Bloom and Rod for CF53 Camshaft Steel","authors":"Pu Wang, Haijie Wang, Liang Chen, Ze Zhang, Gang Chen, Deguo Fan, Jiaquan Zhang","doi":"10.1002/srin.202400194","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/srin.202400194","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The cross wedge rolling process exposes the camshaft center to complex alternating shear and tensile stresses, which require exceptionally high homogeneity in the steel. This study investigates the macro/semimacro segregation and mechanical properties of bloom and rod for CF53 camshaft steel. Based on the findings, the study proposes a mechanism and strategy for controlling the macroscopic and semimacroscopic homogeneity of CF53 camshaft through soft reduction. The results indicate that applying a 7–10 mm reduction when the center solid fraction is 0.1–1.0 can promote the flow of liquid steel at the solidification end, reduce the size of the equiaxed crystals, significantly decrease the central segregation and the carbon range on transverse cross sections, and considerably reduce the size and number and solutes enrichment of semimacroscopic spot segregations in the blooms. Correspondingly, the central segregation and banded defects in the rods improve. The plasticity and toughness in the radial direction of the rods are enhanced. This demonstrates that SR can synergistically regulate the macro/semimacro homogeneity of camshaft steel blooms and rods, providing high-quality materials for subsequent processing and improving the competitiveness of camshaft products.</p>","PeriodicalId":21929,"journal":{"name":"steel research international","volume":"96 9","pages":"284-298"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145038224","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}