Microstructure development during cooling of hot rolled steels

A brief summary is given of the desired microstructures in important classes of steel products. These are to a large extent susceptible to control and improvement by adjustment of the final processing conditions such as cooling rate and/or coiling temperature following rolling. The effect of different cooling patterns is discussed in relation to several mechanisms of microstructure formation, namely: matrix phases, grain size control, precipitation of microalloy compounds, cementite films, and retained austenite, Some examples from industrial production are included. (C) 2001 loM Communications Ltd.