Effect of processing parameters on precipitation reactions occurring in a Ti-bearing IF steel

The investigation was focused on the detailed description of precipitation/formation processes of TiN, TixSy, Ti4C2S2, TiC, and (Fe,Ti)P particles occurring in the production of thin sheets of titanium-bearing interstitial-free steels. The knowledge concerning this reactions was gained based on the thermodynamic calculation and physical simulations conducted on Gleeble 3800 thermal - mechanical simulator. The formation process of titanium carbosufide of Ti4C2S2 is the crucial reaction for the thin sheets properties. The investigation confirmed the in-situ mechanism of this phase formation, involving carbon diffusion in the TiS and TixSy sulfides' crystal lattice. Thus, the precipitation of the substantial fraction of these sulfides is a prerequisite for further intense carbosulfide formation. Titanium sulfides are formed at the rough rolling stage of the transfer bar rolling process. The most intense precipitation of the sulfides occurs at around 1000 degrees C. Besides the effect on the carbosulfide formation, it was found out that the sulfides substantially retard the recrystallization and grain growth in the IF steels. The most favourable Ti4C2S2 formation conditions prevail in the temperature range of approximately 950 - 920 degrees C, which corresponds to the plate finish rolling stage. Both reactions, i.e. sulfides and carbosulfide formation, are deformation-induced processes.