On strength of microalloyed steels: an interpretive review

In the mid-1950s, hot rolled carbon steels exhibited high carbon contents, coarse ferrite pearlite microstructures, and yield strengths near 300 MPa. Their ductility, toughness and weldability were poor. Today, a half century later, hot rolled steels can exhibit microstructures consisting of mixtures of ferrite, bainite and martensite in various proportions. These structures are very fine and can show yield strengths over 900 MPa, with acceptable levels of ductility, toughness and weldability. This advancement was made possible by the combination of improved steelmaking, microalloying technology and better rolling and cooling practices. The purpose of this paper is to chronicle some of the remarkable progress in steel alloy and process design that has resulted in this impressive achievement.