Quantification and Analysis of Niobium Carbide Precipitation in Cold‐Rolled High‐Strength Low‐Alloy Steel during Annealing Process

Abstract

High‐strength low‐alloy (HSLA) steels are widely used to their excellent mechanical properties. Despite this, the precipitation process occurring during annealing after cold rolling has not been extensively studied. Herein, the precipitation of niobium carbide (NbC) is examined during both hot‐rolling and annealing processes. Field emission transmission electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy are employed for the analyses, with a particular focus on using the residual electrochemical extraction method for quantification. The NbC precipitates formed during hot rolling and annealing are individually assessed. The findings indicate that new NbC precipitates form during annealing process after cold rolling, and these precipitates are smaller than those formed during hot rolling. This study offers valuable insights into the precipitation process of NbC in cold‐rolled HSLA steel and has implications for the development of improved steel processing techniques.