Interaction between M(C, N) and Ferrite in Electropulsing Microalloyed Steel

Microstructure and M(C, N) significantly affect the quality of Nb microalloyed steel, and the control microstructure evolution and M(C, N) precipitation behavior is the key. In this study, the interaction between ferrite and M(C, N) with electropulsing is quantitatively analyzed. Results reveal that electropulsing promotes the precipitation of M(C, N) and ferrite phase from austenite phase. The precipitated M(C, N) affects the position of ferrite precipitation, and the precipitation of ferrite can then conversely affect the distribution of M(C, N). The influence of austenite to ferrite transformation on M(C, N) precipitation is much more significant than that of electropulsing. This observation can be applied to control of microstructure and M(C, N) in continuous casting.