Thermomechanical Simulation of Ferritic Rolling of Titanium-Niobium Interstitial-Free Steel

Abstract Austenitic or two-phase rolling of ultra-low carbon steels face temperature control issues and generate shape defects. Ferritic rolling has been developed as a solution, and ferritic hot-rolled sheets are used as final products, replacing hot-rolled followed by cold-rolled sheets. However, it is not in regular industrial production because of mill limitations. Hence, ferritic hot rolling must be optimized for developing a ferritic cold-rolled and close-annealed sheet through subsequent processing. In this work, industrial ferritic rolling process was simulated for a titanium-niobium interstitial-free steel using a thermomechanical simulator. Multi-hit plane strain compression tests were carried out at three different regimes below the lower transformation temperature (Ar1). Steels were processed under high strain and strain rates as experienced during industrial hot rolling operation, and the results were compared with the conventional austenitic rolling. The flow stress of the material in the ferritic regime decreased with decreasing deformation temperatures but increased at temperatures below 700°C. Nonuniformity in grains and texture also increased with decreasing temperatures. High-temperature rolling in ferritic condition close to Ar1 temperature does not differ significantly from the austenitic condition, whereas the low-temperature ferritic rolled material had through-thickness microstructural nonuniformity and unwanted goss and brass fibers. The intensity of gamma-fiber {111} || normal direction (ND) required for formability was highest in the intermediate temperature zone. Deformation between temperatures of 850°C and 800°C was found to be ideal. Based on simulation studies, full-scale plant rolling was carried out under the optimized ferritic regime. The microstructure and texture matched closely with the simulation results. This work provides a working window for ferrite rolling in an industrial hot strip mill for developing ferritic cold-rolled close-annealed products.