Microstructural evolution and consequent strengthening through niobium-microalloying in a low carbon quenched and partitioned steel

In the present study the determining role of niobium (Nb) on significant enhancement in mechanical properties in a low-carbon quenched and partitioned steel is elucidated. The study indicates that solute drag and precipitation pinning effect of Nb suppressed the recrystallization during hot deformation, leading to grain size refinement of hot-rolled steels. The cold-rolled and final microstructure after Q–P treatment was also refined because of...