Specification
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a highstrength
steel sheet suitable for automobiles and a
method of manufacturing the same.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] There is a growing demand for reduction of car
body weight as a measure for improving fuel economy of
automobiles and cost reductl.on by integral forming of
components, and the development of high-strength steel
sheets excellent in press formability is under way. A
dual phase steel sheet (DP steel sheet) including
ferrite and martensite and a TRIP steel sheet utilizing
transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) of retained
austenite are known as a high-strength steel sheet
excellent in press formability.
[0003] However, in the conventional DP steel sheet and
the TRIP steel sheet, improvement of local ductility is
limited, and it is difficult to manufacture a member
which is complicated in shape and desired to have highstrength.
From the viewpoint of mechanical properties,
it is difficult to obtain good local ductility while
obtaining high tensile strength. As indicators of
local ductility, a hole expandability and a reduction
of area are cited. According to a hole expansion test,
111 a stretch flange formed part and the like,
evaluation close to an actual forming can b~ performed,
but it is evaluated on the characteristic of the crack
- 1 -
generation part (direction). On the other hand, since
the reducti.on of area is measured by a tensile test
that defines the deformation direction, it is easy to
indicate the quantitative difference of the local
ductility of the material. For example, Patent
Reference 1 describes a high-strength hot-rolled steel
sheet for improving fatigue strength, but it is
sometimes difficult to manufacture a member having a
complicated shape with the steel sheet.
CITATION LIST
PATENT REFERENCE
[0004] Patent Reference 1: Japanese Laid-open Patent
Publication No. 2014-173151
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
TECHNICAL PROBLEM
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to
provide a high-strength steel sheet capable of
improving local ductility while securing high-strength
and a method of manufacturing the same.
SOLUTION TO PROBLEM
[0006] The inventors of the present invention
conducted di.ligent studies to clarify the reason why
excellent local ductility cannot be obtained in a
conventional high-strength steel sheet. As a result,
it has been found that, among martensite grains in a
conventional high-strength steel sheet, those on grain
boundary triple points tend to be origins of cracking.
In addition, it has been also revealed that many of the
martensite grains on the grain boundary triple points
have a shape susceptible to stress concentration.
- 2 -
Furthermore, it has been found that martensite grains
inevitably have a shape susceptible to stress
concentration, since ferrite, bainite, or pearlite, or
any combination thereof grows during cooling from a
dual phase region of austenite and ferrite, and
martensite grains are formed in the gap in a
conventional method of manufacturing a high-strength
steel sheet.
[0007] Then, the present inventors conducted intensive
studies to make a shape of martensite grains on a grain
boundary triple point into a shape hard to receive
stress concentration. As a result, it has been found
that it is important to prepare a steel sheet having a
microstructure (initial structure) in which the area
fraction and size of pearlite is within a specific
range and reheat the steel sheet under a specific
condition. Further, in order to prepare the above
steel sheet, it has been also found that it is
effective to perform hot rolling under a specific
condition or perform annealing under a specific
condition after cold rolling.
[0008] Based on such findings, the inventors of the
present invention have made further diligent studies
and as a result have conceived the following aspects of
the invention.
[0009] ( 1) A high-strength steel sheet, including:
a chemical composition represented by, in mass%:
C: 0.03% to 0.35%;
Si: 0.01% to 2.0%;
Mn: 0.3% to 4.0%;
- 3 -
Al: 0. 0 1% to 2 . 0% ;
P: 0.10% or less;
S: 0.05% or les.s;
N: 0.010~ or less;
Cr: 0.0% to 3 . Q9-·
0 '
Mo: 0. 0% to 1. 0 9, • ' '
Ni: 0.0% to 3 . Q9c.
0 '
Cu: 0.0% to 3. Q9--·
0 '
Nb: 0.0% to 0. 39--· 0 '
Ti: 0.0% to 0. 3 9- •
0 '
V: 0.0% to 0. 59--· 0 '
B: 0.0% to 0.1%;
Ca: 0.00% to 0.01%;
Mg: 0.00% to 0.01%;
Zr: 0.00% to 0.01%;
REM: 0.00% to 0.01%; and
the balance: Fe and impurities, and
a microstructure represented by, in area%,
martensite: 5% or more;
ferrite: 20% or more; and
perlite: 5% or less,
whe r e.i..n
an average diameter of martensite grain is 4 pm or
less in equivalent circle diameter,
a ratio of the number of bulging type martensite
grains to the number of martensite grains on grain
boundary triple points of a matrix is 70% or more,
wherein:
the bulging type martensite grain is on one of
the grain boundary triple points of the matrix;
- 4 -
and
at least one of grain boundaries of the
bulging type martensite grain, the gra1n
boundaries connecting two adjacent grain boundary
triple points of the bulging type martensite grain
and grains of the matrix, has a convex curvature
to an outer side with respect to line segments
connecting the two adjacent grain boundary triple
points 1 and
an area ratio represented by VM I AO is 1.0 or
more, wherein:
VM denotes a total area of the martensite
grains on the grain boundary triple points of the
matrix; and
AO denotes a total area of polygons composed
of the line segments connecting two adjacent grain
boundary triple points of the martensite grains.
[0010] (2) The high-strength steel sheet according to
(1), wherein an average diameter Ds of ferrite in a
surface layer portion from a surface of the highstrength
steel sheet to a depth 4 x Do is not more than
twice an average diameter D0 , wherein the average
diameter Do is an average diameter of ferrite in a
region where a depth from the surface of the highstrength
steel sheet is 1/4 of a thickness of the highstrength
steel sheet.
[0011] (3) The high-strength steel sheet according to
(l) or (2), wherein an area fracti.on of
unrecrystallized ferrite is 10% or less in the
microstructure.
~ ~) -
[0012] (4) The high-strength steel sheet according to
any one of ( 1) to ( 3) ' wherein, in the chemical
composition,
Cr: 0.05% to 3 . 0%'
Mo: 0.05% to 1.0%,
Ni: 0.05% to 3.0%, or
Cu: 0.05% to 3.0%,
or any combination thereof is satisfied.
[0013] (5) The high-strength steel sheet according to
any one of (1) to (4), wherein, in the chemical
composition,
Nb: 0.005% to 0.3%,
Ti: 0.005% to 0.3%, or
V: 0.01% to 0.5%,
or any combination thereof is satisfied.
[0014] (6) The high-strength steel sheet according to
any one of ( 1) to ( 5), wherein, ln the chemical
composition, B: 0.0001% to 0.1% is satisfied.
[0015] (7) The high-strength steel sheet according to
any one of (1) to (6), wherein, in the chemical
composition,
Ca: O .. D.005% to 0.01%,
Mg: 0.0005% to 0.01%,
Zr: 0.0005~ to 0.01%, or
REM: 0.0005% to 0.01%,
or any combination thereof is satisfied.
[0016] (8) A method of m2nufacturing a high-strength
steel sheet, including the steps of:
preparing a steel sheet;
reheating the steel sheet to a first temperature of
- 6 -
770"C to 820"C at an average heating rate of 3"C/s to
120"C/s; and
then, cooling the steel sheet to a second
temperature of 300"C or less at an average cooling rate
of 60"C/s or more,
wherein
an area fraction of pearlite is 10% or less, an
area fraction of unrecrystallized ferrite is 10% or
less, and an average diameter of pearlite grain is 10
pm or less in the steel sheet,
an average diameter Ds of ferrite in a surface
layer portion from a surface of the steel sheet to a
depth 4 x Do is not more than twice an average diameter
D0 , wherein the average diameter Do is an average
diameter of ferrite in a region where a depth from the
surface of the steel sheet is 1/4 of a thickness of the
steel sheet,
the cooling to the second temperature is started
within 8 seconds once the temperature of the steel
sheet reaches the first temperature, and
the steel sheet includes a chemical composition
represented by,, in mass%:
C: 0.03% to 0.35%;
Si: 0.01% to 2.0%;
Mn: 0.3% to 4.0%;
Al: 0.01% to 2.0%;
P: 0.10% or less;
S: 0.05% or less;
N: 0.010% or less;
Cr: 0.0% to 3.0%;
- 7 -
Mo: 0 0 9~ • 0 to 1 0 9~ •
0 '
Ni: 0.0% to 3. 0 ~.
0 '
Cu: 0.0% to 3. 0%;
Nb: 0. 0% to 0. 3%;
Ti 0.0% to 0 3 9- •
0 '
V: 0.0% to 0.5%;
B: 0.0% to 0. 19-·
0 '
Ca: 0.00% to 0.01%;
Mg: 0.00% to 0.01%;
Zr: 0.00% to 0.01%;
REM: 0.00% to 0.01%; and
the balance: Fe and impurities.
[0017] (9) The method of manufacturing the highstrength
steel sheet according to ( 8), wherein the step
of preparing the steel sheet includes the step of hotrolling
and cooling a slab.
[0018] (10) The method of manufacturing the highstrength
steel sheet according to (9), wherein
a rolling temperature is "Ar3 point + 10"C" to
lOOO"C, and a total reduction ratio is 15% or more in
last two stands of finish rolling in the hot rolling,
and
a cooling stop temperature is sso·c or lower of the
cooling in the step of preparing the steel sheet.
[ 0 0 19] ( 11) The method of manufacturing the highstrength
steel sheet according to (8), 1"herein the step
of preparing the steel sheet includes the steps of:
hot rolling a slab to obtain a hot-rolled steel
sheet; and
col.d rolling, annealing and cooling the hot-rolled
- 8 -
steel sheet.
[0020] (12) The method of manufacturing the highstrength
steel sheet according to (11), wherej_n
a reduction ratio in the cold rolling is 30% or
more,
a temperature of the annealing is 730'C to 900"C,
and
an average cooling rate from the temperature of the
annealing to 600"C is 1.0"C/s to 20"C/second in cooling
in the step of preparing the steel sheet.
[0021] (13) The method of manufacturing the highstrength
steel sheet according to any of (8) to (12),
wherein, in the chemical composition,
Cr: 0.05% to 3.0%,
Mo: 0.05% to 1.0%,
Ni: 0.05% to 3.0%, or
Cu: 0.05% to 3.0%,
or any combination thereof is satisfied.
[0022] (14) The method of manufacturing the highstrength
steel sheet according to any of (8) to (13),
wherein, in the chemical composition,
Nb: 0.005% to 0.3%,
Ti: 0.005% to 0.3%, or
V: 0.01% to 0.5%,
or any combination thereof is satisfied.
[0023] (15) The method of manufacturing the highstrength
steel sheet according to any of (8) to (14)
wherein, in the chemical composition, B: 0. 0001% to
0.1% is satisfied.
[0024] (16) The method of manufacturing the high-
9 -
strength steel sheet according to any of (8) to (15),
wherein, in the chemical composition,
Ca: 0.0005% to 0.01%,
Mg: 0.0005% to 0.01%,
Zr: 0.0005% to 0.01%, or
REM: 0.0005% to 0.01%,
or any combination thereof is satisfied.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION
[0025] According to the present invention, since tho
shape of martensite grain is appropriate, it is
possible to improve the local ductility while securing
high strength.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0026] [Fig. 1A] Fig. lA is a view illustrating an
example of a shape of a martensite grain;
[Fig. 1B] Fig. 18 is a view illustrating another
example of a shape of a martensite grain;
[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a view illustrating formation
sites of martensite grains;
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a view illustrating various
shapes of martensite grains;
[Fig. 4A] Fig. 4A is a view illustrating an
example of a relationship between an area of a
martensite grain and an area of a polygon;
[Fig. 48] Fig. 48 is a view illustrating another
example of a relationship between an area of a
martensite grain and an area of a polygon;
[Fig. 4C] Fig. 4C is a view illustrating still
another example of a relationship between ar1 area of a
martensite grain and an area of a polygon;
- 10 -
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an
inclusion relationship of martensite grains;
[Fig. 6A] Fig. 6A is a view illustrating a change
in microstructure;
[Fig. 6B] Fig. 6B is a view illustrating a change
in microstructure subsequent to Fig. 6A;
[Fig. 6C] Fig. 6C is a view illustrating a change
in microstructure subsequent to Fig. 68;
[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a
relationship between tensile strength and elongation in
a first experiment;
[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a
relationship between the tensile strength and reduction
of area in the first experiment;
[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a
relationship between tensile strength and elongation in
a second experiment; and
[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating a
relationship between the tensile strength and reduction
of area in the second experiment.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0027] The present inventors observed microstructures
of high-strength steel sheets manufactured by cooling
with a runout table after hot rolling and
microstructures of high-strength steel sheets
manufactured by annealing after cold rolling
(hereinafter sometimes referred to as "cold-rolled
sheet annealing''). As a result of the observation, as
illustrated in Fig. lA, it has been revealed that
grains Ill, 112, and 113 of ferrite, bainite, or
- 11 -
pearlite have grown so as to expand outward and that a
martensite grain 110 is formed on the grain boundary
triple point in many fields of view. In this
microstructure, a grain boundary Bl between the
martensite grain 110 and the grain 111 is bulging
toward the martensite grain 110 side with respect to a
line segment Ll connecting a grain boundary triple
point T31 of the martensite grain 110, the grain 113
and the grain 111, and a grain boundary tri.ple point
Tl2 of the martensite grain 110, the grain 111 and the
grain 112, when viewed from the martensite grain 110.
A grain boundary B2 between the martensite grain 110
and the grain 112 is bulging toward the martensite
grain 110 side with respect to a line segment L2
connecting the grain boundary triple point T12 and a
grain boundary triple point T23 of the martensite grain
110, the grain 112 and the grain 113. A grain boundary
B3 between the martensite grain 110 and the grain 113
is bulging toward the martensite grain 110 side with
respect to a line segment L3 connecting the grain
boundary triple point T23 and the grain bo11ndary triple
point T31 •. Jn B .h~gh-strength steel sheet having such
a microstructure, the grain boundaries of the
martensite grain 110 are sagging, stress tends to
concentrate near the grain boundary triple points T12,
T23, and T31, and cracking is likely to occur from
these regions. For this reason, it is difficult to
obtain excellent local ductility.
[ 0 0 2 8] The reason for obtaining such a mi_crostructure
is considered that ferrite grains or the like grow to
- 12 -
expand outward during cooling after hot rolling at a
run-out table or cooling after cold-rolled sheet
annealing, and martensite generates in the remaining
area thereafter.
[0029] As a result of intensive investigation by the
present inventors on the microstructure capable of
obtaining excellent local ductility with reference to
the observation results as described above, it has been
found that a microstructure as illustrated in Fig. 1B
is suitable for improving the local ductility. That
is, it has been found that a microstructure in which a
martensite grain 210 bulges outward and is surrounded
by grains 211, 212, and 213 of a matrix such as ferrite
is preferable. In this microstructure, a grain
boundary 81 between the martensite grain 210 and the
grain 211 is bulging toward the grain 211 side with a
line segment L1 connecting a grain boundary triple
point T31 of the martensite grain 210, the grain 213,
and the grain 211, and a grain boundary triple point
T12 of the martensite grain 210, the grain 211, and the
grain 212, when viewed from the martensite grain 210.
A grain boundary B2 between the martensite grain 210
and the grain 212 is bulging toward the grain 212 side
with respect to a line segment L2 connecting the grairr
boundary triple point T12 and the grain boundary triple
point T23 of the martensite grain 210, the grain 212,
and the grain 213, when viewed from the martensite
grain 210. A grain boundary B3 between the martensite
grain 210 and the grain 213 is bulging toward the grairr
213 side with respect to a line segment L3 connecting
- 13 -
the grain boundary triple point T23 and the grain
boundary triple point T31, when viewed from the
martensite grain 210. In a high-strength steel sheet
having such a microstructure, the grain boundaries of
the martensite grain 210 are bulging outward, stress is
hardly concentrated near the grain boundary triple
points T12, T23, and T31, and excel.lent local ductility
can be obtained. A high-strength steel sheet having
such a microstructure may be manufactured by a method
described later.
[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present
invention will be described.
[0031] First, the chemical compositions of the highstrength
steel sheet according to the embodiment of the
present invention and a steel used for manufacturing
the high-strength steel sheet will be described.
Though details will be described later, the highstrength
steel sheet according to the embodiment of the
present invention is manufactured through hot rolling,
cooling, and reheating or through hot rolling, cold
rolling, cold-rolled sheet annealing, cooling, and heat
treatment. .Accordingly, the chemical compositions of
the hj_gh-strength steel sheet and the steel are ones in
consideration of not only characteristics of the highstrength
steel sheet but also the above-stated
processing. In the following description, ''%'' being a
unit of a content of each element contai.ned in the
high-strength steel sheet and the steel means "mass%"
unless otherwise specified. The high-strength steel
sheet according to the present embodiment and the steel
- 14 -
used for the manufacturing the same contain, by mass%,
C: 0.03'6 to 0.35%, Si: 0.01% to 2 . 0% f Mn: 0.3% to 4 • 0% 1
Al: 0.01% to 2.0%, p : 0.10% or less, s : 0.05% or less,
N: 0.010% or less, Cr: 0.0% to 3. 0% f Mo: 0.0% to 1.0%,
Ni: 0.0% to 3. 0% r Cu: 0.0% to 3.0%, Nb: 0.0% to 0. 3%,
Ti: 0.0% to 0.3%, V: 0.0% to 0. 5%' B: 0. 0% to 0 . 1 % ' Ca:
0.00% to 0.01%, Mg: 0.00% to 0.01%, Zr: 0.00% to 0.01%,
rare earth metal (REM): 0. 00% to 0. op,, and the
balance: Fe and impurities. Examples of the impurities
include one contained in raw materials such as ore and
scrap, and one contained during a manufacturing
process. Sn and As may be examples of impurities.
[0032] (C: 0.03% to 0.35%)
c contributes to improvement in strength thrOugh
strengthening of martensite. When a C content is less
than 0.03%, sufficient strength, for example, tensile
strength of 500 N/m2 or more cannot be obtained.
Therefore, the C content is 0.03% or more. On the
other hand, when the C content exceeds 0. 35%, the area
fraction and size of pearlite in the initial structure
after hot rolling and cooling are increased, the area
fraction of pearlite and island-shaped cementite in a
microstructure after reheating is increased, and
therefore sufficient local ductility cannot be
obtained. Therefore, the C content is 0.35% or less.
The C conlent is preferably 0.25% or less in order to
obtain higher local ductility, and the C content is
preferably 0.1% or less in order to obtai.n more
excel.lent hole expandability.
[ 0 0 3 3] (Si: 0.01% to 2.o:;:;)
- 15 -
Si is a ferrite former element and promotes the
formation of ferrite in cooling after the hot rolling.
Si also contributes to improvement of workability by
suppressing the generation of harmful carbides and
contributes to improvement in strength through solid
solution strengthening. When a Si content is less than
0.01%, these effects cannot be obtained sufficiently.
Therefore, the Si content is 0.01% or more. When the
Si content is less than 0.1%, the Si c:or1tent is
preferably 0.3% or more. On the other hand, when the
Si content exceeds 260%, the chemical conversion
property and spot weldability are deteriorated.
Therefore, the Si content is 2.0% or less.
[0034] (~1n: 0.3% to 4.0%)
Mn contributes to improvement in strength. When a
Mn content is less than 0.3%, sufficient strength
cannot be obtained. Therefore, the Mn content is 0. 3'"
or more. On the other hand, when the Mn content
exceeds 4.0%, micro segregation and macro segregation
are likely to occur, and local ductility and hole
expandability are deteriorated.
content is 4.0% or less.
[ 0 03 5] (Al: 0.01% to 2.0%)
Therefore, the Mn
Al acts as a deoxidizer. When an Al content is
less than 0.01%, oxygen may not be sufficiently
excluded in some cases. Therefore, the Al content is
0.01% or more. Likco Si, AJ. promotes the formation of
ferrite and suppresses the formation of harmful
carbides and contributes to the improvement of
workability. Also, Al does not affect the chemical
- 16 -
conversion property as much as Si. Therefore, Al is
useful for compatibility of ductility and chemical
conversion property. However, when the Al content
exceeds 2.0%, the effect of improving the ductility is
saturated, and the chemical conversion property and
spot weldability may be deteriorated. Therefore, the
Al content is 2.0% or less. The Al content is
preferably 1.0% or less in order to obtain more
excellent chemical conversion property.
[0036] (P: 0.10% or less)
P is not an essential element, and is contained as
an impurity in the steel, for example. Since P
deteriorates weldability, workability and toughness, a
lower P content is more preferable. In particular,
when the P content exceeds 0.10%, weldability,
workability and toughness are remarkably deteriorated.
Therefore, the P content is 0.10% or less. The P
content is preferably 0.03% or less in order to obtain
better workability. It is costly to decrease the P
content, and in order to decrease the P content to less
than 0.001%, a cost increases notably. Thus, the P
content may be 0.001% or more. P may improve corrosion
resistance when Cu is contained.
[0037] (S: 0.05% or less)
S is not an essential element, and is contained as
an impurity in the steel, for example. Since S forms a
sulfide such as MnS, and the sulfide serves as an
origin of cracking, and reduces local ductility and
hole expandahility, a lower S content is more
preferable. In particular, when tt1e S content exceeds
- 17 -
0.05%, the local ductility and the hole expanding
property are remarkably deteriorated. Therefore, the s
content is 0.05% or less. It is costly to decrease the
S content, and in order to decrease the S content to
less than 0.0005%, a cost increases notably.
S content may be 0.0005% or more.
Thus, the
[0038] (N: 0.010% or less)
N is not an essential element, and is contained as
an i.mpuri ty in the steel, for example. N causes
stretcher strain and deteriorates workability. When Ti
and Nb are contained, N forms (Ti, Nb) N and the
precipitate serves as an origin of cracking. N may
cause roughening of the end face in punching and
greatly deteriorate local ductility.
lower N content is more preferable.
Therefore, a
In particular,
when the N content exceeds 0.010%, the above phenomenon
is remarkable. Therefore, the N content is 0. 010% or
less. It is costly to decrease the N content, and in
order to decrease the N content to less than 0.0005%, a
cost increases notably.
be 0.0005% or more.
Therefore, the N content may
[0039] C r "f .. M o , N i , C u , N b, T i , V, B, C a , M g , Z r and
REM are not essential elements and are arbitrary
elements which may be appropriately contained in the
steel sheet and steel to the extent of a specific
amount.
[0040] (Cr: 0.0% leo 3.0~;, Mo: 0.0% to 1.0'6, Ni: 0.0 9e
to 3.0~-;, Cu: 0.0';1 to 3.0~>)
Cu contributes lo improvement in .strength. Cu
improves corrosion resistance when P is contained.
- 18 -
Therefore, Cu may be contained. In order to
sufficiently obtain these effects, a Cu content is
preferably 0.05% or more. On the other hand, when the
Cu content exceeds 3.0%, the hardenability is excessive
and the ductility decreases. Therefore, the Cu content
is 3.0% or less. Ni facilitates the formation of
martensite through improvement of hardenability. Ni
contributes to suppression
likely to occur when Cu is
of hot cracking which is
contained. Therefore,
may be contained. In order to sufficiently obtain
these effects, aNi content is preferably 0.05% or
Ni
more. On the other hand, when the Ni content exceeds
3.0%, the hardenability is excessive and the ductility
decreases. Therefore, the Ni content is 3.0% or less.
Mo suppresses the formation of cementite and suppresses
the formation of pearlite in the initial structure. Mo
is also effective for forming martensite grains in the
reheating. Therefore, Mo may be contained. In order
to sufficiently obtain these effects, a Mo content is
preferably 0.05% or more. On the other hand, when the
Mo content exceeds 1.0%, the ductility decreases.
Therefore, the Mo content is 1.0% or less. Like Cr, Cr
suppresses the formation of cementite and suppresses
lhe formation of pearlite in the initial structure.
Therefore, Cr may be contained. In order to obtain
this effect sufficiently, a Cr content is preferably
0.05% or more. On the other hand, when the Cr content
exceeds 3.0%, the ductility decreases.
Cr corrtent is 3.0%.
Therefore, the
[ 0 0 4 1 J From the above, it is understood that ''Cr:
- 19 -
0 . 0 5 -% t 0 3 . 0 % u ' " M 0 : 0 . 0 5 % t 0 1 . 0 % II ' \\ N i : 0 . 0 5 % t 0
3.0%", or "Cu 0.05% to 3.0%'', or any combination
thereof is preferably satisfied.
[0042]
0- 5%)
(Nb: 0.0% to 0.3%, Ti: 0.0% to 0.3%, V: 0.0% to
Nb, Ti, and V contribute to improvement in strength
by forming carbides. Accordingly, Nb, Ti, or V, or any
combination thereof may be contained. In order to
sufficiently obtain this effect, a Nb content is
preferably 0.005% or more, a Ti content is preferably
0.005% or more, and a V content is preferably 0.01% or
more. On the other hand, when the Ni content exceeds
0. 3%, the Ti content exceeds 0. 3%, or the V content
exceeds 0.5%, the precipitation strengthening is
excessive and the workability deteriorates. Therefore,
the Nb content is 0.3% or less, the Nb content is 0.3%
or less, and the V content is 0.5% or less.
[0043] From the above, it is understood that ~Nb:
0 . 0 0 5 % to 0 . 3 % " , " T i : 0 . 0 0 5 % t o 0 . 3 % " , o r \\ V : 0 . 0 1 % to
0.5%", or any combination thereof is preferably
satisfied.
[0044] (B; 0 ..•. 0 .. % to 0.1%)
B contributes to improvement in strength.
Therefore, B may be contained. In order to obtain this
effect sufficiently, a B content is preferably 0.0001%
or more. On the other hand, when the B content exceeds
0.1%, the hardenability is excessive and the ductility
decreases. Therefore, the B content is 0.1% or less.
[0045] (Ca: 0.00~; leo
0.00% to 0.01%, REM:
0.01%, Mg: 0.00%
0.00~; to 0.019o)
- 20 -
to 0.01%, Zr:
Ca, Mg, Zr, and REM control the shape of sulfidebased
inclusions and are effective for improving local
ductility. Thus, Ca, Mg, Zr, or REM, or any
combination thereof may be contained. In order to
sufficiently obtain this effect, a Ca content is
preferably 0.0005% or more, the Mg content i .s
preferably 0.0005% or more, the Zr content is
preferably 0.0005% or more, the REM content is
preferably 0.0005% or more. On the other hand, when
the Ca content exceeds 0.01%, the Mg content exceeds
0. 01%, the Zr content exceeds 0. 01%, the REM content
exceeds 0.01%, the ductility and local ductility are
deteriorated. Therefore, the Ca content is 0.01% or
less, the Mg content is 0.01% or less, the Zr content
is 0.01% or less, and the REM content is 0.01% or less.
[0046] From the above, it is understood that "Ca:
0.0005% to 0.01%", "Mg: 0.0005% to 0.01%", "Zr: 0.0005%
to 0 . 0 1 % '' , o r '' REM 0.0005% to 0.01%", or any
combination thereof is preferably satisfied.
[0047] REM (rare earth metal) indicates elements of 17
kinds in total of Sc, Y, and lanthanoid, and a "REM
content" means a total content of these elements of 17
kinds. Lanthanoid is industrially added as a form of
misch metal, for example.
[0048] Next, the microstructure of the high-strength
steel sheet according to the embodiment of the present
invention will be described. In the following
description, ~%'' being is a unit of phase or structure
contaJned in the high-strength sleel sheet means
''area%'' unless otherwise specified. The high-strength
- 21 -
steel sheet according to the embodiment of the present
invention incJ.11des a microstructure represented, by
area%, martensite: 5% or more 1 ferrite: 20% or more,
and pearlite: s~,s or less.
[0049] (Martensite: 5% or more)
Martensite contributes to the improvement of
strength in a Dual Phase steel (DP steel) When an
area fraction of martensite is less than 5 ~
0 ' sufficient
strength, for example, tensile strength of 500 N/m2 or
more cannot be obtained. Therefore, the area fraction
of martensite lS 5% or more. The area fraction of
martensite is preferably 10% or more in order to obtain
superior strength. On the other hand, when the area
fraction of martensite exceeds 60%, sufficient
elongation cannot be obtained in some cases.
Therefore, the area fraction of martensite is
preferably not more than 60%.
[0050] (Ferrite: 20% or more)
Ferrite contributes to the improvement of
elongation in a DP steel. When an area fraction of
ferrite is 20% or less, sufficient elongation cannot be
obtained. Therefore, the area fraction of ferrite lS
20% or more. The area fraction of ferrite is
preferably 30% or more in order to obtain better
elongation.
[ 0 0 51] (Perlite: ')'6 or less)
Pearlite is not essential, and it may be formed in
the manufacturing process of high-strength steel sheet.
Since pearlite reduces elongation and hole
expandability of a DP steel, a lower are faction of
pearlite is more preferable. In particular, when the
area fraction of pearlite exceeds 5%, the reduction in
elongation and hole expandability is remarkable.
Therefore, the area fraction of pearlite is 5% or less.
[0052] The balance of the microstructure is, for
example, bainite or retained austenite or both of them.
[0053] Here, the configuration of martensite will be
described in detail. In the present embodiment, an
average diameter of martensite is 4 pm or less in
equivalent circle diameter, a ratio of a number of
bulging type martensite grains to a number of
martensite grains on grain boundary triple points of a
matrix is 70% or more, and a particular area ratio of
1.0 or more.
[0054] (Average diameter of martensite: 4 pm or less
in equivalent circle diameter)
When an average diameter of martensite is more than
4 pm in equivalent circle diameter, stress tends to
concentrate on martensite and cracks are likely to
occur. Therefore, the average diameter of martensite
is 4 pm or less in equivalent circle diameter. In
order to obtain better formability, the average
diameter of martensite is preferably 3 pm or less in
equivalent circle diameter.
[0055] (Ratio of a number of bulging type martensite
grains to a number of martensite grains on grain
boundary triple points of a matrix: 70% or more)
A bulging type martensite grain is one of
martensite grai11s among martensite grains on grain
boundary triple points of a matrix.
- 23 -
The bulging type
martensite grain is on one of the grain boundary triple
points of the matrix, and at least one of whose grain
boundaries of the bulging type martensite grain, the
grain boundaries connecting two adjacent grain boundary
triple points of the bulging type martensite grain and
grains of the matrix, has a convex curvature to an
outer side with respect to line segments connecting the
two adjacent grain boundary triple points. As
illustrated in Fig. 2, a martensite grain 301 on a
grain boundary triple point of a matrix and a
martensite grain 302 on a grain boundary between two
grains of the matrix are included in a high-strength
steel sheet, and the bulging type martensite grain
belong to the martensite grain 301. The martensite
grains on the grain boundary triple point include a
martensite grain 303 composed by combining two or more
martensite grains on grain boundary triple points.
However, the martensite grain 303 is not ~on one of the
grain boundary triple points of the matrix", so it does
not belong to the bulging type martensite grain. Among
the six martensite grains illustrated in Fig. 3, the
martensite ~rains 401, 402, 403 and 404 belong to the
bulging type martensite grain, since at least one of
the grain boundaries of each of the grains, the grain
boundaries connecting two adjacent grain boundary
triple points of the martensite grain and grains of the
matrix, has a convex curvature to an outer side with
respect to line segments connecting the two adjacent
grain boundary triple points. On the other hand, the
martensite grains 405 and 406 do not belong to the
- 24 -
bulging type martensite grain, since all the grain
boundaries of each of the grains, the grain boundaries
connecting two adjacent grain boundary triple points of
the martensite grain and grains of the matrix, do not
have a convex curvature to an outer side with respect
to line segments connecting the two adjacent grain
boundary triple points.
[0056] The higher the ratio of the number of the
bulging type martensite grains is, the less stress
concentration occurs and excellent local ductility can
be obtained. When the ratio of the number of the
bulging type martensite grains to the number of the
martensite grains on the grain boundary triple points
of the matrix is less than 70%, the ratio of martensite
grains which are likely to cause stress concentration
is high and excellent local ductility cannot be
obtained. Therefore, the ratio of the number of the
bulging type martensite grains to the number of the
martensite grains on the grain boundary triple points
of the matrix is 70% or more.
[0057] (Particular area ratio: 1.0 or more)
The bulging type martensite grains may include
those in which a ratio of convex portions having convex
curvature outward with respect to a line segment rs
greater than or equal to a ratio of concave portions
having convex curvature inward, and the others not.
The former ones are more likely to contrib11tc to the
improvement of local ductility than the latter ones,
and the higher the area fraction of the latter ones,
the lower the local ductility.
- 25 -
As for the former
bulging type martensite grain, as illustrated in Fig.
4A, an area VMl of the bulging type martensite grain is
equal to or larger than an area AOl of a polygon
composed of the line segments connecting two adjacent
grain boundary triple points of the bulging type
martensite grain. On the other hand, as for the latter
bulging type martensite grain, as illustrated in Fig.
48, an area VM2 of the bulging martensite grain is
smaller than an area A02 of a polygon that is composed
of the line segments connecting two adjacent grain
boundary triple points of the bulging martensite grain.
In addition, although not belonging to the bulging type
martensite grain, as for martensite grains on plural
grain boundary triple points of the matrix like the
martensite grain 303 in Fig. 2, as illustrated in Fig.
4C, an area VM3 of the martensite grain is sometimes
smaller than an area A03 of a polygon that is composed
of the line segments connecting two adjacent grain
boundary triple points of the martensite grain. When
an area ratio represented by VM I AO is less than 1.0,
it is difficult to obtain sufficient local ductility
even if the .r.atio of the bulging type martensite grains
is 70% or more. Here, VM denotes a total area of a
plurality of, for example, 200 or more, martensite
grains on grain boundary triple points, and AO denotes
~ total area of polygons composed of the line segments
connecting two adjacent grain boundary triple points of
the plurality of martensite grains. Therefore, the
particular area ratio represented by VM I AO is 1.0 or
more:.
- 26 -
[0058] Fig_ 5 illustrates an inclusion relationship of
martensite grains in the present embodiment_ In the
present embodiment, the ratio of the number of the
bulging type martensite grains (group B) to the number
of the martensite grains on the grain boundary triple
points of the matrix (group A) is 70% or more, and as
for the martensite grains on the grain boundary triple
points of the matrix (group A), the area ratio
represented by VM I AO is l_O or more.
[0059] According to the present embodiment, it is
possible to obtain a tensile strength of 500 N/mm2 or
more and a reduction of ar~a RA of 0.5 or less, for
example. As a product (TS x EL) showing the balance
between the tensile strength TS and the elongation EL,
a value of 18000 N/mm2 ·% or more can be obtained.
Then, it is possible to obtain excellent local
ductility as compared with a conventional high-strength
steel sheet having the same level tensile strength.
[0060] A hot-dip galvanized layer may be included in
the high-strength steel sheet. When a hot-dip
galvanizing layer is included, more excellent corrosion
resistance can be obtained. The coating weight is not
particularly limited, but the coating weight is
preferably 5 g/m2 or more per one side in order to
obtain particularly good corrosion resistance.
[0061] Preferably, the hot-dip galvanized layer
contains Zn and Al, for example, and the Fe content
thereof is 13% or less. A hot-dip galvanized layer
having an Fe content of 13% or less is excellent in
plating adhesion, formability and hole expandability.
- 27 -
On the other hand, when the Fe content exceeds 13%, the
adhesion of the hot-dip galvanized layer itself is low,
and the hot-dip galvanized layer may be broken or fall·
off during processing of the high-strength steel sheet
and adheres to a mold, it may cause scratches.
[00621 The hot-dip galvanized layer may be alloyed.
Since Fe is incorporated from the base steel sheet into
the alloyed hot-dip galvanized layer, excellent spot
weldability and coatability are obtained. The Fe
content of the alloyed hot-dip galvanized layer is
preferably 7% or more. When the Fe content is less
than 7%, the effect of improving spot weldability may
be insufficient in some cases. As long as the Fe
content of the hot-dip galvanized layer not alloyed is
less than 13%, it may be less than 7% or substantially
0%, and good plating adhesion, formability and hole
expandability can be obtained.
[0063) The high-strength steel sheet may contain an
over-plating layer on the hot-dip galvanized layer.
When the over-plating layer is included, excellent
coatability and weldability can be obtained. Further,
the high-strength steel sheet including the hot-dip
galvanized layer may be subjected to a surface
treatment such as a chromate treatment, a phosphate
treatment, a lubricity improving treatment Qnd a
weldability improving treatment.
[ 0 0 61 l Next, a first example of a method of
manufacturing the high-strength steel sheet according
to the embodiment of the present invention will be
described. In the first example, hot rolling of the
-· 28 -
slab having the above chemical composition, cooling and
reheating are performed in this order. Fig. 6A to Fig.
6C arc views illustrating changes in microstructure. A
microstructure of a steel sheet obtained through hot
rolling and subsequent cooling (initial structure) has
a low pearlite area fraction and a small average
diameter of pearlite. The balance of the initial
structure is, for example, ferrite (ex) (Fig. 6A). In
the subsequent reheating, the steel sheet is heated to
the dual phase region, and austenite (y) is grown on
the grain boundary triple point of ferrite (Fig. 6B)
The austenite growing on the grain boundary triple
point has an outwardly bulging shape. Then, austenite
is transformed into martensite (M) by quenching from
the dual phase region (Fig. 6C) As a result,
martensite grains having a bulge outward are obtained.
Hereinafter, these processes will be described in
detail
[0065] (Hot rolling and cooling)
A steel sheet is obtained by hot rolling and
subsequent cooling. The microstructure (initial
structure) of the steel sheet is such that an area
fraction of pearlite is 10% or less and an average
diameter of pearlite is 10 pm or less in equivalent
circle diameter. Cementite is included in pearlite,
and cementite dissolves in the reheating and inhibits
the formation of austenite. When the area fraction of
pearlite exceeds 10%, a sufficient amount of austenite
cannot be obtained in the reheating, and as a result,
it is difficult to make the area fraction of martensite
- 29
in the high-strength steel sheet 5% or more.
Therefore, the area fraction of pearlite is 10% or
less. When also the average diameter of pearlite is
more than 10 pm in equivalent circle diameter, a
sufficient amount of austenite cannot be obtained in
the reheating, and as a result, it is difficult to make
the area fraction of martensite in the high-strength
steel sheet 5% or more. When the average diameter of
pearlite is more than 10 ~m in equivalent circle
diameter, austenite grows even in pearlite, and some of
austenite may be bonded to each other. The shape of
austenite grain obtained by combining a plurality of
austenite grains is difficult to have a shape bulging
outward.
is 10 ~m
[0066]
Therefore, the average diameter of pearlite
or less in equivalent circle diameter.
The balance of the initial structure of the
steel sheet is not particularly limited, and is
preferably ferrite, bainite, or martensite, or any
combination thereof, and in particular, the area
fraction of one of these is preferably 90% or more.
This is to facilitate the growth of austenite from the
grain boundary. triple point in the reheating. The
average diameter of grains of ferrite, bainite, or
martensite, or any combination thereof is preferably 10
~m or less in equivalent circle diameter. This lS for
reducing the martensite grain in the high-strength
steel sheet. Lump cementite may be contained in the
balance of the initial structure of the steel sheet,
but since it inhibits the formation of austenite in the
reheating, the area fraction of the lump cementite is
- 30 -
preferably 1% or less.
[0067] It is preferable that the ferrite grains in a
surface layer portion of the steel sheet be small.
Ferrite does not transform in the reheating, and
remains as it is on the high-strength steel sheet.
Since the cold rolling is not performed in the first
example, the high-strength steel sheet is thick, and
strain in the surface layer portion in forming such as
bending, hole expanding, ar1d bulging tends to be larger
than internal strain. Accordingly, when the ferrite
grains in the surface layer portion of the highstrength
steel sheet are large, cracks may occur in the
surface layer portion, and the local ductility may
decrease. Supposing that an average diameter of
ferrite in a region where the depth from the surface of
the steel sheet is 1/4 of the thickness of the steel
sheet is D0 , in order to suppress such cracking of the
surface layer portion, an average diameter Ds of
ferrite in the surface layer portion from the surface
of the steel sheet to the depth 4 x Do is not more than
twice the average diameter D0 . Hereinafter, a portion
where the average diameter Ds of ferrite in the surface
layer portion is more than twice the average diameter
Do may be referred to as a surface coarse grain layer.
[0068] The conditions for the hot rolling are not
particularly limited, and in the rolling of the last
two stands of the finish rolling, the temperature is
preferably "Ar3 point + lO"C" to lOOO"C, and the total
reductior1 ralio is preferably 15% to 1S %. The
thickness after the hot rolling is, for example, 1.0 mm
- 31 -
to 6.0 mm.
[0069] When the rolling temperature in any of the last
two stands is lower than Ar3 point + lO"C, the surface
coarse grain layer is likely to be formed. Therefore,
the rolling temperature in both of the last two stands
is preferably Ar3 point + lO"C or more. On the other
hand, when the rolling temperature exceeds lOOO"C in
any of the last two stands, the average diameter of
pearlite in the initial structure is not easily 10 pm
or less in equivalent circle diameter. Therefore, the
rolling temperature in both of the last two stands is
preferably 1000"C or less.
[ 0 0 7 0 J When the total reduction ratio of the last two
stands is less than 15%, the austenite grains easily
become large and the average diameter of pearlite in
the initial structure is not easily 10 pm or less in
equivalent circle diameter. Therefore, the total
reduction ratio of the last two stands is preferably
15% or more, and more preferably 20% or more. On the
other hand, when the total reduction ratio exceeds 45%,
it is difficult to adversely affect the mechanical
properties of the steel sheet, but it may be difficult
to control the shape of the steel sheet. Therefore,
the total reduction ratio of the last two stands is
preferably 45% or less, and more preferably 40% or
less.
[ 0 0 71 J After the hot rolling, the steel sheet 1s
cooled to 550°C or lower. When the cooling stop
temperature exceeds 550°C, the area fraction of
pearlite exceeds 10%. This cooling is performed, for
- 32 -
example, with a run-out table (ROT). For example, a
part or all of austenite transforms into ferrite in the
cooling. The cooling condition is not particularly
limited, and a part or all of austenite may be
transformed into bainite, or martensite, or both.
Thus, a steel sheet having a specific initial structure
is obtained. The steel sheet is coiled after the
cooling. For example, the coiling temperature is 550"C
or lower. When the coiling temperature exceeds 550"C,
the area fraction of pearlite exceeds 10%.
[0072] (Peheating)
In the reheating, the steel sheet is heated to a
first temperature of 770"C to 820"C at an average
heating rate of 3"C/s to 120"C/s, and the steel sheet
is cooled to a second temperature of 300"C or less at
an average cold rolling rate of 60"C/s or more. The
cooling to the second temperature starts within 8
seconds once the temperature of the steel sheet reaches
the first temperature. As described above, austenite
grains bulging outward are grown in the reheating, and
martensite grains having the same shape are obtained.
[0073] When the average heating rate is less than
3"C/s, austenite grows excessively during the heating
and austenite grains bind to each other, making it
difficult to obtain desired martensite in the highstrength
steel sheet.
rate is 3°C/s or more.
Therefore, the average heating
On the other hand, when the
average heating rate exceeds 120"C/s, the carbide
remains, and a sufficient amount of austenite cannot be
obtained. Accordingly, the average heating rate is
- 33 -
120"C/s or less.
[0074] When the achieved temperature (first
temperature) is lower than 770"C, if bainite or
martensite or both of them are contained in the initial
structure, these are hardly transformed into austenite
and, it is difficult to obtain the desired martensite.
Therefore, the achieved temperature is 770"C or higher.
That is, in the present embodiment, when bainite or
martensite or both of them are contained in the initial
structure, they are transformed into austenite instead
of tempering. On the other hand, when the achieved
temperature exceeds 820"C, ferrite transforms into
austenite, and it is difficult to obtain the desired
martensite in a high-strength steel sheet. Therefore,
the achieved temperature is 820"C or lower.
[0075] When the average cooling rate is less than
60"C/s, ferrite easily grows, making it difficult to
obtain martensite in a shape bulging outward.
Accordingly, the average cooling rate is 60"C/s or
more. On the other hand, when the average cooling rate
exceeds 200"C/s, adverse effects on the mechanical
properties of the steel sheet are unlikely to occur,
but the load on the equipment increases, the uniformity
of the temperature decreases, and it is difficult to
control the shape of the steel sheet. Therefore, the
average cooling rate is preferably 200"C/s or less.
[0076] When the cooling stop temperature (second
temperature) is higher than 300"C, quenching is
insufficient and it is difficult to obtai.n the desired
martensite in the high-strength steel sheet.
- 34 -
Therefore, the cooling stop temperature is 300°C or
less.
[0077] When the time period from the temperature of
the steel sheet reaching the first temperature to the
start of the cooling to the second temperature is over
8 seconds, austenite may excessively grow, austenite
grains may combine with each other, and then it is
difficult to obtain the desired martensite in the
high-strength steel sheet. Therefore, the holding time
period until the start of the cooling is less than 8
seconds. In order to obtain particularly excellent
local ductility, the holding time period is preferably
5 seconds or less.
[0078] Thus, the high-strength steel sheet according
to the present embodiment may be manufactured. A highstrength
steel sheet manufactured using a steel sheet
including a surface coarse grain layer includes the
surface coarse grain layer. In a high-strength steel
sheet manufactured using a steel sheet not including a
surface coarse grain layer, an average diameter Ds is
not more than twice an average diameter D0 , where Do
denotes an average diameter of ferrite in a region
where the depth from the surface of the high-strength
steel sheet is 1/4 of a thickness of the high-strength
steel sheet, and Ds denotes an average diameter of
ferrite in a surface layer portion from the surface of
the high-strength steel sheet to the depth of 4 x D0 .
[0079] Next, a second example of a method of
manufacturing tho high-strength steel sheet according
to the embodiment of the present invention will be
- 35 ~
described. In the second example, hot rolling of the
slab having the above chemical composition, cold
rolling, cold-rolled sheet annealing, cooling and
reheating are performed in this order. A
microstructure of a steel sheet obtained through coldrolled
sheet annealing and subsequent cooling (initial
structure) has a low pearlite area fraction and a small
average diameter of pearlite. The balance of the
initial structure is, for example, ferrite (a) (Fig.
6A). In the subsequent reheating, the steel sheet is
heated to the dual phase region, and austenite (y) lS
grown on the grain boundary triple point of ferrite
(Fig. 6B). The austenite growing on the grain boundary
triple point has an outwardly bulging shape. Then,
austenite is transformed into martensite (M) by
quenching from the dual phase region (Fig. 6C). As a
result, martensite grains having a bulge outward are
obtained. Hereinafter, these processes will be
described in detail.
[0080] (Hot rolling)
Hot rolling of the slab is performed to obtain a
hot-rolled steel sheet having a thickness of, for
example, 1.0 mm to 6.0 mm.
[0081] (Cold rolling, cold-rolled sheet annealing, and
cooling)
A steel sheet is obtained by cold rolling of the
hot-rolled steel sheet, cold-rolled sheet annealing and
subsequent cooling. The microstructure (initial
structure) of the steel sheet is such that an area
fraction of pearlite is 10% or less and an average
- 36 -
diameter of pearlite is 10 pm or less in equivalent
circle diameter, and an area fraction of
unrecrystallized ferrite is 10% or less. Cementite is
included in pearlite, and cementite dissolves in the
reheating and inhibits the formation of austenite.
When the area fraction of pearlite exceeds 10%, a
sufficient amount of austenite cannot be obtained 1n
the reheating, and as a result, it is difficult to make
the area fraction of martensite in the high-strength
steel sheet 5% or more. Therefore, the area fraction
of pearlite lS 10% or less. When also the average
diameter of pearlite is more than 10 pm in equivalent
circle diameter, a sufficient amount of austenite
cannot be obtained in the reheating, and as a result,
it is difficult to make the area fraction of martensite
in the high-strength steel sheet 5% or more. When the
average diameter of pearlite is more than 10 pm in
equivalent circle diameter, austenite grows even in
pearlite, and some of austenite may be bonded to each
other. The shape of austenite grain obtained by
combining a plurality of austenite grains is difficult
to have a shape bulging outward. Therefore, the
average diameter of pearlite is 10 pm or less in
equivalent circle diameter. When the area fraction of
unrecrystallized ferrite exceeds 10%, sufficient local
ductility cannot be obtained. Therefore, the area
fraction of \Jnrccrystallized ferrite is 10% or less.
[ 0 0 8 2] The balance of the initial structure of the
steel sheet lS not particularly limited, and is
preferably ferrite, bainite, or martensite, or any
- 37 -
combination thereof as in the first example, and in
particular, the area fraction of one of these is
preferably 90% or more. The average diameter of grains
of ferrite, bainite, or martensite, or any combination
thereof is preferably 10 ~m or less in equivalent
circle diameter. Lump cementite may be contained in
the balance of the initial structure of the steel
sheet, but the area fraction of the lump cementite is
preferably 1% or less.
[0083] The conditions for the cold rolling are not
particularly limited, and the reduction ratio is
preferably 30% or more. When the reduction ratio is
30% or more, the grains contained in the initial
structure can be made fine, and the average diameter of
martensite in the high-strength steel sheet can be
easily reduced to 3 ~m or less. The thickness after
the cold rolling is, for example, 0.4 mm to 3.0 mm.
[ 0 0 8 4] The conditions for the cold-rolled sheet
annealing are not particularly limited, and preferably
the annealing temperature is 730"C to 900"C, followed
by cooling to 600"C at an average rate of l.O"C/s to
2o•c1s.
[0085] When the annealing temperature is lower than
730"C, it is difficult to reduce the area fraction of
unrecrystallized ferrlte jn the initial structure to
10% or less. Therefore, the annealing temperature is
preferably 730"C or higher. On the othc~r hand, when
the annealing temperature exceeds 900"C, it is
difficult to make the average diameter e of pearlite ln
the initial structure 10 pm or less in equivalent
- ][l -
circle diameter, and the average diameter of martensite
in the high-strength steel sheet is likely to be large.
Therefore, the annealing temperature is preferably
900"C or lower.
[0086] When the average cooling rate to 600"C is less
than l.O"C/s, the area fraction of pearlite in the
initial structure exceeds 10%, or the average diameter
of pearlite exceeds 10 pm in equivalent circle
diameter. Therefore,
preferably l.O"C/s or
the average cooling rate
more. On the other hand,
is
when
the average cooling rate to 600"C exceeds 20"C/second,
the initial structure is not stable and the desired
initial structure cannot be obtained in some cases.
Therefore, the average cooling rate is preferably
20"C/s or less.
[0087] When the cooling stop temperature exceeds
600"c, the area fraction of pearlite exceeds. 10%. For
example, a part or all of austenite transforms into
ferrite in the cooling. The cooling condition is not
particularly limited, and a part or all of austenite
may be transformed into bainite, or martensite, or
both. Thus, a steel sheet having a specific initial
structure is obtained.
[0088] (Reheating)
The reheating is performed under the same
conditions as in the first example. That is, the steel
sheet is heated to a first temperature of 770"C to
820"C at an average heating rate of 3"C/s to 120"C/s,
and the steel sheet is cooled to a second temperature
300"C or less at an average cold rolling rate of 60"C/s
- 39 -
or more. Cool to temperature. The cooling to the
second temperature starts within 8 seconds once the
temperature of the steel sheet reaches the first
temperature. As described above, austenite gra1ns
bulging outward are grown in the reheating, and
martensite grains having the same shape are obtained.
[0089] Thus, the high-strength steel sheet according
to the present embodiment may be manufactured. A
microstructure of a high-strength steel sheet
manufactured using a steel sheet with an area fraction
of unrecrystallized ferrite exceeding 10% includes
unrecrystallized ferrite with an area fraction of
exceeding 10%. An area fraction of unrecrystallized
ferrite is 10% or less in a high-strength steel sheet
manufactured using a steel sheet with an area fraction
of unrecrystallized ferrite of 10% or less.
[ 0090 J In the first example, since the steel sheet is
prepared by hot rolling and subsequent cooli.ng, this
steel sheet does not include more than 10% of
unrecrystallized ferrite. In the second example, since
the steel sheet is prepared by cold rolling of the hotrolled
steel sheet, cold-rolled sheet annealing, and
subsequent cooling, this steel sheet does not include a
surface coarse grain layer.
[0091] IncidentaJ.ly, the steel sheet or the highstrength
steel sheet may be immersed in a plating bath
to form a plating layer, and alloying treatment at
600"C or less may be performed after forming the
plating layer. For example, a hot-dip galvanized layer
may be formed, and then an alloying trealment may be
- 4 () -
carried out. An over-plating layer may be formed on
the hot-dip galvanizing layer. After forming the hotdip
galvanized layer, surface treatment such as
chromate treatment, phosphate treatment, lubricity
improving treatment and weldability improving treatment
may be carried out. Pickling and skin-pass rolling may
be carried out.
[0092] The area fraction of each phase and structure
may be measured by the following method, for example.
For example, Le Pera etching or Nital etching of a
high-strength steel sheet is performed, observation
using an optical microscope or a scanning electron
microscope (SEM) is performed, each phase and structure
are identified, and the area fractions are measured
using an image analyzer or the like. The observation
target region is, for example, a region whose depth
from the surface of the high-strength steel sheet is
1/4 of the thickness of the high-strength steel sheet.
When measuring the average diameter and area of the
martensite grains, measurements are made on 200 or more
martensite grains.
[0093] The average diameter of the ferrite grains in
the steel sheet used in the first example may be
measured by the following method, for example. That
is, Nital etching of the steel sheet is performed, a
cross section orthogonal to the rolling direction is
observed using an optical microscope or SEM, and the
average diameter of ferrite grains is measured using an
image analyzer or the like. The observation target
area is a region whose depth from the surface of the
- 41 -
steel sheet is 1/4 of the thickness of the steel sheet
and a surface layer portion. These measurement methods
are merely examples, and measurement methods are not
limited to these methods.
[0094] The area fraction of unrecrystallized ferrite
in the steel sheet used in the second example may be
measured by the following method, for example. That
is, a specimen is prepared in which a region whose
depth from the surface of the steel sheet is l/4 of the
thickness of the steel sheet is a measurement plane,
and the crystal orientation measurement data is
obtained in electron back scattering pattern (EBSP) of
each of the measurement planes. In the preparation of
the sample, for example, thinning by mechanical
polishing or the like and removal of strain and
thinning by electrolytic polishing or the like are
performed. EBSP measures 5 points or more in each
grain of the sample and the crystal orientation
measurement data are obtained from each measurement
result for each measurement point (pixel). Then, the
obtained crystal orientation measurement data is
analyzed by the Kernel Average Misorientation (KAM)
method to distinguish the unrecrystallized ferrite
contuined in the ferrite, and the area fraction of the
unrecrystallized ferrite in the ferrite is calculated.
From the area fractj_on of ferrj.te in the initial
structure and the area fraction of unrecrystallized
ferrite in ferrite, the area fraction of
unrecrystallized ferrite in the initial structure can
be calculated. In the KAM method, the misorientation
- 4? -
between adjacent measuring points can be detected
quantitatively. In the present invention, grains
having an average misorientation of 1° or more from the
adjacent measuring points are defined as
unrecrystallized ferrite.
[0095] These measurement methods are merely examples,
and measurement methods are not limited to these
methods.
[0096] Note that the above-described embodiments
merely illustrate concrete examples of implementing the
present invention, and the technical scope of the
present invention is not to be construed in a
restrictive manner by these embodiments. That is, the
present invention may be implemented in various forms
without departing from the technical spirit or main
features thereof.
EXAMPLE
[ 0097] Next, examples of the present invention will be
described. A condition of the examples is one
condition example which is adopted in order to confirm
a possibility of implementation and an effect of the
present invention, and the present invention is not
limited to this one condition example. The present
invention allows an adoption of various conditlons as
long os an object of the present invention is achiGved
without departing from the gist of the present
invc-:-ntion.
[0098] (First Experiment)
In a first experiment, steels having the components
presented in Table 1 were melted and slabs were
- !)3 -
prepared by continuous casting by a conventional
method. The balance of the chemical composition
presented in Table 1 is Fe and impurities. An
underline in Table 1 indicates that the value deviates
from a range of the present invention. Then, hot
rolling and cooling on ROT were performed under the
condition~ presented in Table 2 to obtain a steel sheet
having an initial structure presented in Table 2.
Thereafter, reheating was performed under the
conditions presented in Table 2, and then pickling and
skin-pass rolling with reduction ratio of 0.5% were
performed to obtain a high-strength steel sheet. The
thickness of the high-strength steel sheet was 2.6 mm
to 3.2 mm. An underlines in Table 2 indicate that the
item deviates from a range of the present invention.
For the column of "surface coarse grain layer'' in Table
2, those in which the average diameter Ds of ferrite in
the surface layer portion having a depth of 4 x Do from
the surface of the steel sheet is twice or less the
average diameter Do "without", those that are more than
twice as ''with.n
[0099] [Table 1]
"(__";;
o TABLE 1
>-'
0
0 I STEEL
I SYMBOL I c I Si Mn p
cJ
('")
~
(!)
N
!
'
'
'
A
B
c
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
0
p
Q
a
b
c
d
e
~ '
g
h
I
I 0.060 I 0.01 12 0.008
I o.32o 0.01 3.7 0.010
1 o.oe1 088 1.2 0.018
1 o.o9o 0.01 1.6 0.008
1 o.12o 0.02 16 0.009
0.090 1.o4 1.5 0.011
0.090 1.50 2.0 0.008
1 o.oso 1.50 2.0 0.009
I o.16o 1.90 2.0 0.020
0.055 o.oo 1 2.0 0.008
0.050 0.80 0.8. 0.060
omo 0.01 1.2 0.008
0.061 0.88 I 1.2 O.G18
0.080 1.50 2.0 0009
o.o5o I o so 1.6 0.009
· o.o9o I o.o1 2.0 0 011
0.180 [1.00 I 2.0 0.060
0 380 I 1.20 1.4 0.020
0.070 0.10 4.2 0.130
0.050 1.00 1.0 0.020
0.020 1.00 3.0 0.010
0.070 1.50 1.4 0.010
0.060 010'1.1 0.008
0.070 1.00 2.0 0.008
0.075 1.00 1.2 0.018
0.070 1.00 1.2 O.D18
s
0.0020
0.0018
0.0030
0.0030
0.0010
0.0010
0.0010
0.0010
0.0400
0.0030
0.0020
0.0030
0.0030
0.0010
0.0030
0.0020
0.0020
0.0030
0.0025
0.0030
0.0040
0.0700
0.0020
0.0020
0.0030
I 0,0030
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION (MASS%) Ar3 POINT
N AI Nb Ti Ca Mg Zr REM OTHERS (''C)
0.003 0.30 0.01 0.05 - - - - - 807
0.004 1.80 - - - - - - - 597
0.004 0.04 - - 0.0023 - - - - 817
0.004 0.40 - - 0.0030 - - - - 772
0.004 0.40 - - 0.0027 - - 0.0070 - 757
0.004 0.03 0.16 - - - - - Cu:1.15,Ni:0.58 800
0.002 0.04 0.04 0.13 - - - - 8:0.002 767
0.004 0.50 - - 0.0027 - - - - 797
0.003 0.30 - - - - - - - 764
0.008 0.03 0.05 0.18 - 0.0030 - - - 758
0.002 0.04 0.02 0.03 - - - - Cu:0.25,Ni:0.18 857
0.004 0.60 0.04 0.17 0.0023 - - - - 818
0.004 0.04 - - 0.0023 - - - Mo:0.1 817
0.004 0.50 - - 0.0027 - - - - 797
0.002 0.03 - 0.05 - - 0.0050 - V:0.05,B:0.0005 786
0.002 0.80 0.04 0.18 - - - 0.0050 Cr:2.5 769
0.002 0.03 - - - - - 0.0050 - 719
0.003 0.01 - 0.12 - - - - - 651
0.003 0.03 - - - - - - - 628
0.003 O.D4 0.40 - - - - - - 840
0.002 0.03 0.03 0.10 - - - - - 726
0.003 0.03 - 0.04 - - - - 815
O.G15 O.Q3 - 0.40 - - - - - 806
0.001 0.03 - - 0.020 - - - - 764
'
0.004 0.04 - 0.03 - 0.0030 - - - 815
'0.004 0.04 - 0.05 - 0.0020 - - - 817 .........
····· ..
"'. "
I lllllll!lll~~~·~~~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~~~[![~[~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~· [ •I ~~~~ljl
~11ill1111@11u~l1"~ll~·l! :j~llllil ml~l~l~l._jl i (I I I I
I I
~~ ', 'w!N!Nio!ololololm!Niol•·
i"
I
'•
:~·"t . h-"
>-"
0
~
c-:3
;JJ
t7
~-"
(1)
"'
I s i EEL
jSYMBOL
I I A.A
I 88 i
I cc
DO
i EE
FF
GG
HH
H
JJ
KK
LL
MM
NN
00
PP
i QQ
I RR
'' ss ' ' a a
I bb
I GC
I dd
I
i ee
I ff
I gg
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION (MASS%)
c Si I Mn p s N AI Nb Ti Ca Mg
0.080 0.10 2.0 0.020 0.0020 0.003 0.300 0.010 0.030 - -
0.090 0.60 2.1 0.015 0.0050 0.003 0.030 0.020 0.020 - -
0.080 o.;;s 1.8 0.018 0.0030 0.004 0.040 - - 0.002 -
0.090 0.01 1.6 0.008 0.0030 0.004 0.400 - - 0.003 -
0.090 0.60 2.1 0.009 0.0010 0.004 0.033 0.030 - - -
0.090 1.54 1.5 0.011 0.0010 0.004 0.030 0.046 - - -
0.135 1.00 2.2 0.008 0.0010 0.002 0.036 - 0.040 - -
0.070 0.10 1.8 0.006 0.0030 0.003 0.040 - - - -
0.190 0.50 2.8 0.060 0.0020 0.002 0.000 0.050 0.030 - -
0.320 001 3.7 0.010 0.0018 0.004 1.800 - - - -
0.150 1.90 2.0 0.020 0.0200 0.003 0.300 0.130 - - -
0.150 0.50 2.4 0.{)08 0.0030 0.005 0.032 - 0.040 - -
0.050 0.80 0.8 0.080 0.0020 0.008 0.040 0.020 0.130 0.002 -
0.060 0.01 1.3 0.012 0.0020 0.003 0.300 0.022 - - -
0.070 O.oO 2210.007 0.0040 1 0.003 0.035 - - - -
0.080 1.50 2.0 0.009 0.0010 0.004 0.500 - - 0.003 -
omo, o.ss 1.3 0.009 0.0010 0.004 0.040 0.035 0.125 0.003 0.003
o.oso I o.so L6 0.009 0.0030 0.002 0.200 - 0.050 - -
0.120! 0.08 2.2 0.008 0.0030 0.002 0.035 - - - -
0.380 1.20 1.4 0.020 0.0030 0.003 0.005 - 0.120 - -
0.070 0.10 4.2 0130 0.0025 0.003 0.030 - - - -
0.050 1.00 1.0 0.020 ! 0.0030 0.003 0.035 0.200 - - -
0.020 1.00 j3.0 o.o1 o I o.oo4o 0.002 0.300 0.030 0.100 - -
omo 1 so I L4 o.o1 o I o.o1oo 0.003 0.030 - 0.040 - -
0.060 010j1.1 o.oos I o.oozo 0.015 0.030 - 0.200 - -
omo 100 )2.0 o.oos I o.oo2o 0.001 0.030 - - 0.020 -
Ar3 POINT
Zr REM OTHERS (cC)
- - - 752 I
- - - 738 I
- - Cr:0.3 762 I
- - - 772
- - - 737 I
- - Cu:L15.Ni:0.58 800 I
- - - 718 I
- - - 752 I
- 0.005 - 649
0.008 - - 597 •
- - Cr:1.8 764
- - - 682
- - - 862 !
- - Mo:0.07 802
- - - 737 !
- - - 797 '
- - V:0.3 311
0.005 - V:0.05.8:0.0005 795
- - - 701
- - Cr:2.5 651
- - - 628
- - - 840
- - - 740
- - - 815
- - - 802
- - - 790
. !Ill ill IIlii~ I IIIII I
1~1!1~1 1lili !
II
' '
1!\jl!
I: I~ ' ' : ' !
' '
~,,, ' lilllllil lil~li li!
.c :; " I I ~- ·--
I
I I
..
' ' I I I
;
i" I :1 I I "· '·· I I
I ~~~ I H• I" I
~~~!I' I' I · lc " : ·10 I? , I§
I I' i
!.
. · I) 1~ · I ! I I
I
!· I IN I lo Ia
..
I I I I I
I
' '"'tlf' I~
I I§ I~ I* I 'if' , I€ I
I
I.
I
I~ I~ I' ·I" I• I" I"' lg
~~~
I I
I
im'l"·. I" I"' IN I I··
I ~
I I I
IUI·I~
I I
~ I~ Ill I~ I~ I ~ I"'' I
IU"I~; I· I• I· I" ' I
I"' , '
J"l~~-- --~-
I .,I I ·I. 1·1
Is I"' I· IN
I
I .
~ I I II I I I I I
'" I" I "I I I. iiiD 1*11! ~~ I I• I I
w~.
I
I'
I
"· ' I iL ,. . I
I
I
.. I
! I I ! I i .[. I,· I•
z ' '
~~ I 0 i I I
1'0
g~s , 'lg . I i" . I•. ,.
o< I .,
~! I j! ; ' I I L I~ ,. !,
I ·.... ... .. I I
I I I
j i" g J I
.i i" '! i<'O I
I I" Ji, I
• I I 12 ~ ' I I.. .. .. 1. ___ ]i I
[0111] For each of the high-strength steel sheets, the
microstructure was identified and configuration of
martensite was identified. These results are presented.
CLAIMS
[Claim 1] A high-strength steel sheet, comprising:
a chemical composition represented by, in mass%:
C: 0.03% to 0.35%;
Si: 0.01% to 2.0%;
Mn: 0.3% to 4.0%;
_IU: 0.01% to 2. 0%;
p : 0.10% or less;
s : 0.05% or less;
N: 0.010% or less;
Cr: 0.0% to 3. 0%;
Mo: 0.0% to 1.0%;
Ni: 0.0% to 3.0%;
Cu: 0.0% to 3.0%;
Nb: 0.0% to 0.3%;
Ti: 0.0% to 0. 3%;
V: 0.0% to 0.5%;
B: 0.0% to 0. 1%;
Ca: 0.00% to 0.01%;
Mg: 0.00% to 0.01%;
Zr: 0.00% to 0.01%;
REM: 0.00% to 0.01%; and
the balance: Fe and impurities, and
a microstructure represented by, in area%,
martensite: 5 9o or more;
ferrite: 20% or more; and
perlite: 5% or less,
wherein
an average diameter of martensite grain is 4 pm or
less in equivalent circle diameter,
- 67 -
a ratio of the number of bulging type martensite
grains to the number of martensite grains on grain
boundary triple points of a matrix is 70% or more,
wherein:
the bulging type martensite grain is on one of
the grain boundary triple points of the matrix;
and
at least one of grain boundaries of the
bulging type martensite grai.n, the grain
boundaries connecting two adJacent grain boundary
triple points of the bulging type martonsi.te grain
and grains of the matrix, has a convex curvature
to an outer side with respect to line segments
connecting the two adjacent grain boundary triple
points, and
an area ratio represented by VM I AO is 1.0 or
more, wherein:
VM denotes a total area of the martensite
grains on the grain boundary triple points of the
matrix; and
AO denotes a total area of polygons composed
of the line segments connecting two adjacent grain
boundary triple points of the martensite grains.
[Claim 2] The high-strength steel sheet according to
claim 1, wherein an average diameter Ds of ferrite in a
surface layer portion from a surface of the highstrength
steel sheet to a depth 4 x 0 0 is not more than
twice an average diameter Do, wherein the average
diameter 0 0 is an average diameter of lerrllc in a
region where a depth from the surface of the high-
- 68 --
strength steel sheet is 1/4 of a thickness of the highstrength
steel sheet.
[Claim 3] The high-strength steel sheet according to
claim 1 or 2, wherein an area fraction of
unrecrystallized ferrite is 10% or less in the
microstructure.
[Claim 4] The high-strength steel sheet according to
any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, in the chemical
composition,
Cr: 0.05% to 3.0%,
Mo: 0.05% to 1.0%,
Ni: 0.05% to 3.0%, or
Cu: 0.05% to 3.0%,
or any combination thereof is satisfied.
[Claim 5] The high-strength steel sheet according to
any one of claims 1 to 4 ' wherein, in the chemical
composition,
Nb: 0.005% to 0. 3%'
Ti: 0.005% to 0. 3%, or
V: 0.01% to 0.5%r
or any combination thereof is satisfied.
[Claim 6] The high-strength steel sheet according to
any one of clai.ms 1 to 5, wherein, in the chemi.cal
composition, B: 0.0001% to 0.1% is satisf1ed.
[Claim 7] The high-strength steel sheet according to
any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, in the chemical
composition,
Ca: 0.0005% to 0.01%,
Mg: 0.0005% to 0.01%,
Zr: 0.0005°6 to 0.01't, or
- 69 -
REM: 0.0005% to 0.01%,
or any combination thereof is satisfied.
[Claim 8] A method of manufacturing a high-strength
steel sheet, comprising the steps of:
preparing a steel sheet;
reheating the steel sheet to a first temperature of
770"C to 820"C at an average heating rate of 3"C/s to
120"C/s; and
then, cooling the steel sheet to a second
temperature of 300"c or less at an average cooling rate
of 60"C/s or more,
wherein
an area fraction of pearlite is 10% or less, an
area fraction of unrecrystallized ferrite is 10% or
less, and an average diameter of pearlite grain is 10
pm or less in the steel sheet,
an average diameter Ds of ferrite in a surface
layer portion from a surface of the steel sheet to a
depth 4 x Do is not more than twice an average diameter
D0 , wherein the average diameter Do is an average
diameter of ferrite in a region where a depth from the
surface of ~he steel sheet lS 1/4 of a thickness of the
steel sheet,
the cooling to the second temperature lS started
within 8 seconds once the temperature of the steel
sheet reaches the first temperature, and
the steel sheet comprises a chemical composition
represented by, in mass%:
the balance: Fe and impurities.
[Claim 9] The method of manufacturing the highstrength
steel sheet according to claim 8, wherein the
step of preparing the steel sheet comprises the step of
hot-rolling and cooling a slab.
[Claim 10] The method of manufacturing the highstrength
steel sheet according to claim 9, wherein
a rolling temperature is "Ar3 point + 10'C" to
1000°C, and a total reduction ratio is 15% or more in
last two stands of finish rolling in the hot rolling,
and
a cooling stop temperature is sso·c or lower of the
cooling in the step of preparing the steel sheet.
[Claim 11] The method of manufacturing the highstrength
steel sheet according to claim 8, wherein the
step of preparing the steel sheet comprises the steps
of:
hot rol.ling a slab to obtai.n a hot-rolled steel
sheet; and
cold rolling, annealing and cooling the hot-rolled
steel sheet.
[Claim 12] The method of manufacturing the highstrength
steel sheet according to claim 11, wherein
a reduction ratio in the cold rolling is 30% or
more,
a temperature of the annealing is 730"C to 900"C,
and
an average cooling rate from the temperature of the
annealing to 600"C is 1.0"C/s to 20"C/second in cooling
in the step of preparing the steel sheet.
[Claim 13] The method of manufacturing the highstrength
steel sheet according to any one of claims 8
to 12' wherein, in the chemical composition,
Cr: 0.05% to 3. 0% r
Mo: 0 ... 0 5% t.o 1. 0% f
Ni: 0.05% to 3 • 0%1 or
Cu: 0.05 9c to 3 • 0 ~) 1
or any combination thereof is satisfied.
[Claim 14] The method of manufacturing the highstrength
steel sheet according to any one of clai.ms 8
to 13, 'Nherein, in the chemical composition,
Nb: 0.005% to 0.3%,
Ti: 0.005~' to 0.3~6, or
- 72 -
V: 0.01% to 0.5%,
or any combination thereof is satisfied.
[Claim 15] The method of manufacturing the highstrength
steel sheet according to any one of claims 8
to 14, wherein, in the chemical composition, B: 0.0001%
to 0.1% is satisfied.
[Claim 16] The method of manufacturing the highstrength
steel sheet according to any one oi claims 8
to 15, wherein, in the chemical compositi?n,
Ca: 0. 0005% to 0.01%,
JVIg: 0.0005% to 0.01%,
Zr: 0. 0005% to 0.01%, or
REM: 0.0005% to 0.0196,
or any combination thereof is satisfied.