The effect of Nb on the microstructure evolution of low-carbon Mn-series air cooled bainitic steels has been studied by using thermomeehanical simulation machine, SEM, and TEM observation. The results show that the amount of ferrites is relatively higher in the steel without Nb than that of Nb-bearing steel under same deformation conditions, and the ferrites in Nb-bearing steel are more finer. The mechanical properties of the Nb-bearing steel are higher than those of the steel without Nb at the same finishing rolling temperature （FRT）, and the toughness of the Nb- bearing steel is about 100J higher than that of the steel without Nh at the finishing rolling temperature 750℃. The toughness of Nb microalloyed steel will be improved more effectively than that of the steel without Nb with the decrease of FRT.
WANG Yong-wei FENG Chun XU Feng-yun BAI Bing-zhe FANG Hong-sheng
