Microstructure Characteristics and Strengthening Behavior of Cu-Bearing Non-Oriented Silicon Steel: Conventional Process versus Strip Casting

Based on conventional hot rolling processes and strip casting processes, Cu precipitation strengthening is used to improve the strength of non-oriented silicon steel in order to meet the requirements of high-speed driving motors of electric vehicles. Microstructure evolution was studied, and the effects of Cu precipitates on magnetic and mechanical properties are discussed. Compared with conventional processes, non-oriented silicon steel prepared by strip casting exhibited advantages with regard to microstructure optimization with coarse grain and {100} texture. Two-stage rolling processes were more beneficial for uniform microstructure, coarse grains and improved texture. The high magnetic induction B50 of 1.762 T and low core losses with P1.5/50, P1.0/400 and P1.0/1000 of 1.93, 11.63 and 44.87 W/kg, respectively, were obtained in 0.20 mm sheets in strip casting. Cu precipitates significantly improved yield strength over ~120 MPa without deteriorating magnetic properties both in conventional process and strip casting. In the peak stage aged at 550 °C for 120 min, Cu precipitates retained bcc structure and were coherent with the matrix, and the yield strength of the 0.20 mm sheet was as high as 501 MPa in strip casting. The main mechanism of precipitation strengthening was attributed to coherency strengthening and modulus strengthening. The results indicated that balanced magnetic and mechanical properties can be achieved in thin-gauge non-oriented silicon steel with Cu addition in strip casting.