Different Roles for Vanadium as a Microalloying Element in Structural Steels

摘要

Vanadium is the most versatile of the microalloying elements used in steels. The present paper describes three separate ways in which vanadium is used to optimize mechanical properties in different products. Firstly, precipitation of V(C,N) during the γ→α transformation or in ferrite during cooling provides strengthening that is especially useful in long products and forgings. Additionally, VN particles which precipitate in austenite act as efficient intra-granular nucleants for ferrite, contributing improved strength and toughness in suitable process routes such as seamless pipe production. Thirdly, vanadium is supremely effective in preventing recovery in martensite and bainite. In this way it can be applied to maintain strength and reduces variability of properties in hot rolled strip steels.