Thermodynamic analysis of precipitation processes in Nb–Ti-microalloyed Si–Al TRIP steel

The work deals with the thermodynamic calculations of precipitation processes in austenite of the Nb–Ti-microalloyed steel with increased Si and Al content dedicated for the automotive industry. The analysis is based on the equilibrium precipitation of individual MX-type interstitial phases, as well as the effect of various Mn and Si additions is included. The solubility products and corresponding limits of the mutual solubility of microalloy and metalloid additions in austenite were calculated. The temperature sequence of the precipitation under equilibrium conditions was determined. The Dutta–Sellars model has been applied for determination of recrystallization stop temperature of austenite and time needed for Nb(C,N) precipitation. The calculations were verified by microstructure investigations including revealing prior austenite grain size as a function of austenitizing temperature and the identification of complex carbonitrides using transmission electron microscopy. The model calculations are in good agreement with experimental results.