(19)
(11) EP 2 474 636 B9

(12) CORRECTED EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION
Note: Bibliography reflects the latest situation

(15) Correction information:
Corrected version no 1 (W1 B1)
Corrections, see
Description

(48) Corrigendum issued on:
08.05.2019 Bulletin 2019/19

(45) Mention of the grant of the patent:
31.10.2018 Bulletin 2018/44

(21) Application number: 10813646.6

(22) Date of filing: 25.08.2010
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
C22C 38/00(2006.01)
C22C 38/04(2006.01)
C22C 38/08(2006.01)
C21D 8/12(2006.01)
C22C 38/02(2006.01)
C22C 38/06(2006.01)
C22C 38/12(2006.01)
H01F 1/16(2006.01)
(86) International application number:
PCT/JP2010/064373
(87) International publication number:
WO 2011/027697 (10.03.2011 Gazette 2011/10)

(54)

NON-ORIENTED ELECTRICAL STEEL SHEET

NICHT-ORIENTIERTES ELEKTROSTAHLBLECH

TÔLE D'ACIER ÉLECTRIQUE NON-ORIENTÉ


(84) Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR

(30) Priority: 03.09.2009 JP 2009203806

(43) Date of publication of application:
11.07.2012 Bulletin 2012/28

(73) Proprietor: Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation
Tokyo 100-8071 (JP)

(72) Inventor:
  • KUBOTA, Takeshi
    Tokyo 100-8071 (JP)

(74) Representative: Vossius & Partner Patentanwälte Rechtsanwälte mbB 
Siebertstrasse 3
81675 München
81675 München (DE)


(56) References cited: : 
EP-A1- 2 031 079
JP-A- H01 162 748
JP-A- H10 183 248
JP-A- 2005 113 252
JP-A- 1 162 748
JP-A- H03 223 445
JP-A- 2003 342 698
JP-A- 2006 161 137
   
       
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description

    TECHNICAL FIELD



    [0001] The present invention relates to a non-oriented electrical steel sheet suitable for rotor of high-speed rotating machine.

    BACKGROUND ART



    [0002] Non-oriented electrical steel sheet is used for rotor of rotating machine, for example. In general, centrifugal force exerted on the rotor is in proportion to the radius of rotation, and in proportion to the square of the rotational speed. Accordingly, a very large stress is loaded on the rotor of the high-speed rotating machine. The non-oriented electrical steel sheet for rotor is, therefore, preferably given large tensile strength. In other words, the non-oriented electrical steel sheet for rotor is preferably a high tensile strength steel. As described in the above, the non-oriented electrical steel sheet for rotor is required to have high tensile strength.

    [0003] On the other hand, it is important for the non-oriented electrical steel sheet, used for iron core not only for the rotor of rotating machine, to have a low iron loss. In particular for the non-oriented electrical steel sheet for the rotor of high-speed rotating machine, it is important for high-frequency iron loss to be low. As described herein, the non-oriented electrical steel sheet for rotor is also required to have a low level of high-frequency iron loss. In other words, the steel is required to ensure high efficiency, when the rotating machine is operated at high frequencies.

    [0004] High tensile strength and low high-frequency iron loss are, however, contradictory issues, which may be satisfied at the same time only with great difficulty.

    [0005] While there have been techniques ever proposed aiming at satisfying the both at the same time, no technique capable of readily manufacturing such steel has been known. For example, a technique of obtaining a high-Si-content hot rolled steel sheet, followed by temperature control in various ways, has been propped. However, the technique suffers from difficulty in cold rolling, due to the high Si content. Moreover, the technique needs various temperature controls for enabling the cold rolling, and the controls are highly specialized, so that time, labor and costs consumed therefor are pushed up.

    CITATION LIST


    PATENT LITERATURE



    [0006] 

    Patent Literature 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. S60-238421

    Patent Literature 2: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. S61-9520

    Patent Literature 3: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. S62-256917

    Patent Literature 4: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. H02-8346

    Patent Literature 5: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-342698

    Patent Literature 6: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2002-220644

    Patent Literature 7: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. H03-223445


    SUMMARY OF INVENTION


    TECHNICAL PROBLEM



    [0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-oriented electrical steel sheet which may readily be manufactured, and may concurrently satisfy high tensile strength and low high-frequency iron loss.

    SOLUTION TO PROBLEM



    [0008] The present inventors went through extensive investigations from the viewpoint of obtaining desirable mechanical characteristics of the non-oriented electrical steel sheet, while suppressing the iron loss at a low level, by way of solid solution strengthening, precipitation strengthening, work strengthening, grain refinement strengthening, and strengthening by phase-transformed structure.

    [0009] As a consequence, the present inventors found out that the high-frequency iron loss may be suppressed to a low level, while achieving a high level of yield strength, by appropriately adjusting contents of Si, Mn, Ni and so forth, and by appropriately adjusting the average grain diameter and <111> axial density, details of which will be described later. The findings led us to a non-oriented electrical steel sheet described in the next.

    [0010] A non-oriented electrical steel sheet according to the present invention contains a chemical composition consisting of: Si: 2.8 mass% or more and 4.0 mass% or less; Al: 0.2 mass% or more and 3.0 mass% or less; and P: 0.02 mass% or more and 0.2 mass% or less, and further contains 0.5 mass% or more in total of at least one kinds selected from a group consisting of 4.0 mass% or less of Ni and 2.0 mass% or less of Mn. A C content is 0.003 mass% or more and 0.05 mass% or less, a N content is 0.01 mass% or less and preferably 0.001 mass% or more, and optionally one or more of a B content is 0.007 mass% or less, Cu: 0.02 mass% or more and 1.0 mass% or less; Sn: 0.02 mass% or more and 0.5 mass% or less; Sb: 0.02 mass% or more and 0.5 mass% or less; Cr: 0.02 mass% or more and 3.0 mass% or less; and/or rare earth metal: 0.001 mass% or more and 0.01 mass% or less; wherein the non-oriented electrical steel sheet optionally further contains Nb, and a value RNb is 0.1 or larger and 1 or smaller, the value RNb being represented by [Nb]/8([C]+[N]), with [Nb] for a content of Nb in mass%, [C] for a content of C in mass%, and [N] for a content of N in mass%, a balance is composed of Fe and inevitable impurity, an average grain diameter is 15 µm or less, and a <111> axial density is 6 or larger.

    ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION



    [0011] According to the present invention, since the average grain diameter and the <111> axial density are appropriately adjusted, so that high tensile strength and low high-frequency iron loss can be obtained. Also since contents of Si and so forth are appropriately adjusted, treatment in the process of manufacturing can be facilitated, making any complicated treatment possibly arising from embrittlement and so forth avoidable.

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS



    [0012] [FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating axial density of a non-oriented electrical steel sheet.

    DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS



    [0013] The present invention will be detailed below. First, components of the non-oriented electrical steel sheet of the present invention will be explained.

    [0014] C and N are used for forming carbonitride of Nb and so forth. The carbonitride enhances tensile strength of the non-oriented electrical steel sheet, through precipitation strengthening and grain refinement strengthening. A content of C less than 0.003 mass%, or a content of N less than 0.001 mass% tends to make the function insufficient. On the other hand, a content of C exceeding 0.05%, or a content of N exceeding 0.01 mass% results in considerable degradation in the iron loss characteristics due to magnetic ageing or the like. Accordingly, the content of C is adjusted to 0.05 mass% or less, and the content of N is adjusted to 0.01 mass% or less. The content of C is 0.003 mass% or more, and the content of N is preferably 0.001 mass% or more.

    [0015] Si reduces the iron loss such as high-frequency iron loss, by increasing electric resistance of the non-oriented electrical steel sheet to thereby reduce eddy current loss. Si also increases tensile strength of the non-oriented electrical steel sheet through solid solution strengthening. A content of Si less than 2.8 mass% makes these functions insufficient. On the other hand, a content of Si exceeding 4.0 mass% results in reduction in magnetic flux density, embrittlement, increase in difficulty of processing such as cold rolling, and increase in material cost. Accordingly, the content of Si is adjusted to 2.8 mass% or more and 4.0 mass% or less.

    [0016] Al reduces the iron loss such as high-frequency iron loss, by increasing electric resistance of the non-oriented electrical steel sheet to thereby reduce eddy current loss, similarly to Si. A content of Al less than 0.2% makes these functions insufficient. On the other hand, a content of Al exceeding 3.0 mass% results in reduction in magnetic flux density, embrittlement, increase in difficulty of processing such as cold rolling, and increase in material cost. Accordingly, the content of Al is adjusted to 0.2 mass% or more 3.0 mass% or less. The content of Al is preferably 2.0 mass% or less, more preferably 1.5 mass% or less, and further more preferably 1.0 mass% or less.

    [0017] Ni and Mn contribute to improvement in the tensile strength of the non-oriented electrical steel sheet. More specifically, Ni increases the tensile strength through solid solution strengthening, and Mn increases the tensile strength through solid solution strengthening and grain refinement strengthening. Ni also reduces the iron loss such as high-frequency iron loss, by increasing the electric resistance of the non-oriented electrical steel sheet to thereby reduce the eddy current loss. Ni still also contributes to improvement in the magnetic flux density of the non-oriented electrical steel sheet, accompanied by increase in saturation magnetic moment. Mn reduces the iron loss such as high-frequency iron loss, by increasing the electric resistance of the non-oriented electrical steel sheet to thereby reduce the eddy current loss. The total content of Ni and Mn content less than 0.5 mass% makes these functions insufficient, and results in an insufficient tensile strength. On the other hand, a content of Ni exceeding 4.0 mass% results in decrease in the magnetic flux density ascribable to reduction in the saturation magnetic moment. A content of Mn exceeding 2.0 mass% decreases the magnetic flux density, and increases the material cost. Accordingly, the steel contains 0.5 mass% or more in total of 4.0 mass% or less of Ni and/or 2.0 mass% or less of Mn.

    [0018] P largely enhances the tensile strength of the non-oriented electrical steel sheet. P may, therefore, be contained for the purpose of further improving the tensile strength. A content of P less than 0.02 mass% makes the function insufficient. On the other hand, a content of P exceeding 0.2 mass% results in segregation of P at the grain boundary in the process of manufacturing, possibly making the hot-rolled steel sheet brittle, and making the succeeding cold rolling very difficult. Accordingly, the content of P is adjusted to 0.02 mass% or more and 0.2 mass% or less.

    [0019] Nb reacts with C and N to generate Nb carbonitride, and enhances the tensile strength of the non-oriented electrical steel sheet through precipitation strengthening and grain refinement strengthening. Metal elements possibly forming carbonitrides in the non-oriented electrical steel sheet, other than Nb, are exemplified by Zr, V, Ti and Mo. Among them, Nb carbonitride shows a large contribution to precipitation strengthening. Nb also suppresses growth of crystal grains in the process of cold rolling and finish annealing, to thereby reduce the high-frequency iron loss. For this reason, Nb may be contained. Too large content of Nb, however, elevates recrystallization temperature or embrittles the non-oriented electrical steel sheet. Accordingly, assuming now [Nb] as the content of Nb in mass%, [C] as the content of C in mass%, and [N] as the content of N in mass%, a valued RNb represented by [Nb]/8([C]+[N]) is preferably 1 or smaller. In view of obtaining the function described above, the value RNb is preferably 0.1 or larger.

    [0020] Components of the non-oriented electrical steel sheet other than those described in the above are Fe and inevitable impurity, for example. Also B may be contained for the purpose of avoiding embrittlement of the grain boundary accompanied by increased tensile strength. In this case, the content of B is preferably 0.001 mass% or more. On the other hand, a content of B exceeding 0.007 mass% reduces the magnetic flux density, and induces embrittlement in the process of hot rolling. Accordingly, the content of B is preferably 0.007 mass% or less.

    [0021] Moreover, for the purpose of further improving various magnetic characteristics, 0.02 mass% or more and 1.0 mass% or less of Cu; 0.02 mass% or more and 0.5 mass% or less of Sn; 0.02 mass% or more and 0.5 mass % or less of Sb; 0.02 mass% or more and 3.0 mass% or less of Cr; and/or 0.001 mass% or more and 0.01 mass% or less of rare earth metal (REM) may be contained. In other words, a single or more elements selected from the group consisting of these elements may be contained.

    [0022] According to the non-oriented electrical steel sheet composed of these components, a high yield strength and a low high-frequency iron loss can be obtained. In addition, when the average grain diameter and the <111> axial density of the non-oriented electrical steel sheet fall in appropriate ranges, higher tensile strength can be obtained, and the high-frequency iron loss can be further suppressed.

    [0023] Now an appropriate ranges of the average grain diameter and the <111> axial density will be explained. The present inventors found out appropriate ranges from our experiments conducted as below. First, a slab which contains 0.029 mass% of C, 3.17 mass% of Si, 0.69 mass% of Al, 2.55 mass% of Ni, 0.03 mass% of P, 0.002 mass% of N, and 0.037 mass% of Nb was hot-rolled, to thereby obtain a hot-rolled steel sheet. The value RNb of the hot-rolled steel sheet was 0.15. Next, the hot-rolled steel sheet was cold-rolled at each reduction listed in Table 1, to thereby obtain a series of cold-rolled steel sheets of 0.35 mm thick. Thereafter, the cold-rolled steel sheets were subjected to continuous finish annealing under conditions listed in Table 1, to obtain the non-oriented electrical steel sheets.
    [Table 1]
    Sample No. Rolling reduction (%) Continuous finish annealing
    Temperature (°C) Time (sec)
    1 78 850 30
    2 81 850 30
    3 88 850 30
    4 90 850 30
    5 90 725 30


    [0024] The average grain diameter and the <111> axial density of the non-oriented electrical steel sheets were measured. Epstein specimens and tensile test pieces were cut from the non-oriented electrical steel sheets, and subjected to measurement of magnetic characteristics and mechanical characteristics. Results are shown in Table 2. In Tables below, "W15/50" represents iron loss W15/50, "B50" represents magnetic flux density B50, and "W10/1000" represents iron loss W10/1000. "YP" represents yield strength, "TS" represents tensile strength, and "EL" represents elongation.
    [Table 2]
    Sample No. Average grain diameter (µm) <111> Axial density Magnetic characteristics Mechanical characteristics
    W15/50 (W/kg) B50 (T) W10/1000 (W/kg) YP (MPa) TS (MPa) EL ( %)
    1 26 3.4 8.7 1.66 126 749 801 26
    2 24 4.7 9.1 1.65 119 758 812 27
    3 23 6.6 9.2 1.65 120 782 843 28
    4 25 9.8 9.5 1.64 121 788 851 27
    5 12 10.3 9.8 1.65 108 892 947 28


    [0025] As is clear from Table 2, sample No. 5 showed high yield strength and tensile strength, and low high-frequency iron loss W10/1000. On the other hand, each of samples No. 1 to No. 4 showed lower yield strength and tensile strength, and higher high-frequency iron loss W10/1000, as compared with sample No. 5. Samples No. 1 and No. 2 showed extremely low yield strength and tensile strength. The average grain diameter is therefore adjusted to 15 µm or smaller, and the <111> axial density illustrated in FIG. 1 is adjusted to 6 or larger. In particular, the average grain diameter is preferably 13 µm or smaller, and more preferably 11 µm or smaller. In particular, the <111> axial density is preferably 9 or larger, and more preferably 10 or larger. While axial density in other crystal orientations including <001> is not specifically limited, the <001> axial density is preferably large.

    [0026] The non-oriented electrical steel sheet according to the present invention may be manufactured as follows. First, a slab having the above described composition is produced from molten steel, and the slab is heated and hot-rolled to obtain a hot-rolled steel sheet. The hot-rolled steel sheet is then cold-rolled to obtain a cold-rolled steel sheet, followed by finish annealing. In view of avoiding degradation in strength and embrittlement accompanied by growth of the crystal grains, the hot-rolled steel sheet is preferably not annealed, and also preferably not subjected to intermediate annealing during cold rolling. By employing the hot-rolled steel sheet having the above-described composition, the tensile strength may be improved and the high-frequency iron loss may be reduced, without subjecting the hot-rolled steel sheet to annealing or intermediate annealing. Omission of the annealing of the hot-rolled steel sheet also improves the bendability. In short, the non-oriented electrical steel sheet of the present invention having the above-described composition may improve the tensile strength and may lower the high-frequency iron loss, only by relatively simple processes.

    [0027] The average grain diameter is adjustable depending on conditions of finish annealing, for example. In order to adjust the average grain diameter to 15 µm or smaller, the finish annealing is preferably proceeded at 750°C or below for 25 seconds or shorter, or at 740°C or below for 30 seconds or shorter, and more preferably proceeded at 740°C or below for 25 seconds or shorter. These ranges are apparent also from the above-described experiments. As described in the above, the hot-rolled steel sheet is preferably not annealed, and also preferably not subjected to intermediate annealing during cold rolling. This is because these sorts of annealing may make it difficult to adjust the average grain diameter to 15 µm or smaller.

    [0028] The <111> axial density is adjustable depending on rolling reduction in cold rolling, for example. In order to adjust the <111> axial density to 6 or larger, the rolling reduction is preferably adjusted to 85% or larger, more preferably 88% or larger, and still more preferably 90% or larger. These ranges are apparent also from the above-described experiments. The <111> axial density is also adjustable by temperature of finish rolling in the hot rolling, and cooling conditions after hot rolling, for example. More specifically, for the case where the hot rolling involves rough rolling and succeeding finish rolling, the <111> axial density is adjustable by temperature of the hot-rolled steel sheet in finish rolling. In addition, for the case where the hot-rolled steel sheet is coiled after the hot rolling, the <111> axial density is adjustable by controlling temperature of the hot-rolled steel sheet in coiling (coiling temperature). The lower the temperature of the finish rolling is, the larger the ratio of area in the hot-rolled steel sheet is, the area causing therein no recrystallization. For this reason, the lower the finish rolling temperature is, the more readily the effects, similar to those obtained under large reduction in cold rolling, can be obtained. Accordingly, the finish rolling temperature is preferably set to a low level, and particularly preferably 850°C or below. In addition, the lower the coiling temperature is, the larger the ratio of area in the hot-rolled steel sheet is, the area causing therein no recrystallization. Accordingly, also the coiling temperature is preferably set to a low level, and particularly preferably 650°C or below.

    EXAMPLE


    (First Experiment)



    [0029] First, slabs which contain the components listed in Table 3 and the balance of Fe and inevitable impurity were hot-rolled, to obtain hot-rolled steel sheets.

    [0030] Next, the hot-rolled steel sheets were cold-rolled at rolling reductions listed in Table 4, to thereby obtain cold-rolled steel sheets of 0.20 mm thick. The cold-rolled steel sheets were then subjected to continuous finish annealing under conditions listed in Table 4, to obtain the non-oriented electrical steel sheets.
    [Table 3]
    Sample No. Component
    C Si Al Ni Mn P
    Comparative Example 11 0.0022 3.20 0.65 - 0.19 0.04
    12 0.0018 3.21 0.67 2.56 0.20 0.05
    13 0.0021 3.25 0.70 - 1.61 0.04
    14 0.0023 3.23 0.63 2.58 1.57 0.04
    15 0.0019 3.31 0.66 2.59 1.60 0.05
    Example 16 0.0020 3.27 0.68 2.55 1.58 0.04
    17 0.0025 3.35 0.70 2.49 1.62 0.04
    [Table 4]
    Sample No. Rolling reduction (%) Continuous finish annealing
    Temperature (°C) Time (sec)
    Comparative Example 11 83 820 40
    12 83 820 40
    13 83 820 40
    14 83 820 40
    15 89 820 40
    Example 16 89 750 20
    17 89 720 20


    [0031] The average grain diameter and the <111> axial density of the non-oriented electrical steel sheets were measured. Epstein specimens and tensile test pieces were then cut from the non-oriented electrical steel sheets. Magnetic characteristics were measured using the Epstein specimens, and mechanical characteristics were measured using the tensile test pieces. Results are shown in Table 5.
    [Table 5]
    Sample No. Average grain diameter (µm) <111> Axial density Magnetic characteristics Mechanical characteristics
    W15/50 (W/kg) B50 (T) W10/1000 (W/kg) YP (MPa) TS (MPa) EL (%)
    Comparative Example 11 24 4.1 4.7 1.67 51 531 628 31
    12 23 3.9 4.6 1.68 48 636 733 29
    13 23 4.4 4.9 1.67 49 573 672 28
    14 21 4.6 4.8 1.67 47 681 779 29
    15 22 8.6 5.0 1.66 48 710 821 29
    Example 16 13 8.9 5.2 1.66 43 796 898 30
    17 10 8.2 5.0 1.66 40 819 917 31


    [0032] As is known from Table 5, each of Comparative Examples No. 12 to No. 14 was found to show higher levels of yield strength and tensile strength, as compared with Comparative Example No. 11, by virtue of solid solution strengthening contributed by Ni and/or Mn. Comparative Example No. 15 was found to show higher levels of yield strength and tensile strength as compared with Comparative Examples No. 12 to No. 14, since the <111> axial density was 6 or larger.

    [0033] Each of Examples No. 16 and No. 17 showed distinctively higher levels of yield strength and tensile strength, and a distinctively lower level of high-frequency iron loss W10/1000 as compared with Comparative Example No. 15, since the <111> axial density was 6 or larger, and the average grain diameter was 15 µm or smaller. In this way, desirable magnetic characteristics and mechanical characteristics were obtained in Examples No. 16 and No. 17.

    [0034] It is also clear from Table 4 and Table 5, that larger rolling reduction results in larger <111> axial density, and that lower temperature and shorter time of continuous finish annealing result in smaller average grain diameter.

    (Second Experiment)



    [0035] First, slabs which contain the components listed in Table 6 and the balance of Fe and inevitable impurity were hot-rolled, to obtain hot-rolled steel sheets.

    [0036] Next, the hot-rolled steel sheets were cold-rolled at rolling reductions listed in Table 7, to thereby obtain a series of cold-rolled steel sheets of 0.25 mm thick. The cold-rolled steel sheets were then subjected to continuous finish annealing under conditions listed in Table 7, to obtain the non-oriented electrical steel sheets.
    [Table 6]
    Sample No. Component
    C Si Al Ni P B N Nb RNb
    Comparative Example 21 0.0069 2.81 0.84 - 0.03 0.0022 0.0025 - 0.00
    22 0.0058 2.76 0.80 3.51 0.04 0.0025 0.0021 0.004 0.06
    23 0.0063 2.82 0.85 3.47 0.03 0.0024 0.0019 0.036 0.55
    24 0.0057 2.75 0.86 3.61 0.04 0.0029 0.0022 0.028 0.44
    Example 25 0.0066 2.69 0.88 3.52 0.04 0.0028 0.0023 0.033 0.46
    26 0.0072 2.77 0.85 3.60 0.03 0.0026 0.0021 0.038 0.51
    [Table 7]
    Sample No. Rolling reduction (%) Continuous finish annealing
    Temperature (°C) Time (sec)
    Comparative Example 21 82 780 30
    22 82 780 30
    23 82 780 30
    24 90 780 30
    Example 25 90 720 30
    26 91 700 30


    [0037] The average grain diameter and the <111> axial density of the non-oriented electrical steel sheets were measured. Epstein specimens and tensile test pieces were cut from the non-oriented electrical steel sheets. The magnetic characteristics were measured using the Epstein specimens, and the mechanical characteristics were measured using the tensile test pieces. Results are shown in Table 8.
    [Table 8]
    Sample No. Average grain diameter (µm) <111> Axial density Magnetic characteristics Mechanical characteristics
    W15/50 (W/kg) B50 (T) W10/1000 (W/kg) YP (MPa) TS (MPa) EL (%)
    Comparative Example 21 22 4.8 5.5 1.65 60 524 622 26
    22 23 4.9 5.4 1.66 58 701 795 27
    23 19 5.1 5.7 1.66 59 826 871 26
    24 20 9.7 5.9 1.65 61 851 902 25
    Example 2 5 11 10.3 6.0 1.65 53 933 976 26
    26 9 12.1 6.3 1.65 49 948 989 28


    [0038] As is known from Table 8, Comparative Example No. 22 was found to show higher levels of yield strength and tensile strength, as compared with Comparative Example No. 21, by virtue of solid solution strengthening contributed by Ni. Comparative Examples No. 23 and No. 24 were found to show higher levels of yield strength and tensile strength, as compared with Comparative Example No. 22, by virtue of precipitation strengthening contributed by Nb carbonitride precipitated in the form of fine grains. While also the non-oriented electrical steel sheet of Comparative Example No. 22 contained Nb, but only at the value RNb of smaller than 0.1, so that Nb carbonitride hardly precipitated in the form of fine grains. Comparative Example No. 24 showed higher levels of yield strength and tensile strength as compared with Comparative Example No. 23, since the <111> axial density was 6 or larger.

    [0039] Each of Examples No. 25 and No. 26 showed distinctively higher levels of yield strength and tensile strength, and a distinctively lower level of high-frequency iron loss W10/1000 as compared with Comparative Example No. 24, since the RNb value was 0.1 or larger, the <111> axial density was 6 or larger, and the average grain diameter was 15 µm or smaller. In this way, desirable magnetic characteristics and mechanical characteristics were obtained in Examples No. 25 and No. 26.

    [0040] Also from Table 7 and Table 8, it is apparent that larger rolling reduction results in larger <111> axial density, and that lower temperature in continuous finish annealing results in smaller average grain diameter.

    INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY



    [0041] The present invention is applicable to electrical steel sheet manufacturing industry and electrical steel sheet utilization industry.


    Claims

    1. A non-oriented electrical steel sheet containing a chemical composition consisting of:

    Si: 2.8 mass% or more and 4.0 mass% or less;

    Al: 0.2 mass% or more and 3.0 mass% or less; and

    P: 0.02 mass% or more and 0.2 mass% or less, and

    further containing 0.5 mass% or more in total of at least one kinds selected from a group consisting of 4.0 mass% or less of Ni and 2.0 mass% or less of Mn,

    wherein

    a C content is 0.003 mass% or more and 0.05 mass% or less,

    a N content is 0.01 mass% or less and preferably 0.001 mass% or more,

    and optionally one or more of

    a B content is 0.007 mass% or less,

    Cu: 0.02 mass% or more and 1.0 mass% or less;

    Sn: 0.02 mass% or more and 0.5 mass% or less;

    Sb: 0.02 mass% or more and 0.5 mass% or less;

    Cr: 0.02 mass% or more and 3.0 mass% or less; and/or

    rare earth metal: 0.001 mass% or more and 0.01 mass% or less;

    wherein the non-oriented electrical steel sheet optionally further contains Nb, and

    a value RNb is 0.1 or larger and 1 or smaller, the value RNb being represented by [Nb]/8([C]+[N]), with [Nb] for a content of Nb in mass%, [C] for a content of C in mass%, and [N] for a content of N in mass%, a balance is composed of Fe and inevitable impurity,

    an average grain diameter is 15 µm or less, and

    a <111> axial density is 6 or larger.


     
    2. The non-oriented electrical steel sheet according to Claim 1, wherein
    the N content is 0.001 mass% or more and
    the non-oriented electrical steel sheet further contains Nb, and
    a value RNb is 0.1 or larger and 1 or smaller, the value RNb being represented by [Nb]/8([C]+[N]), with [Nb] for a content of Nb in mass%, [C] for a content of C in mass%, and [N] for a content of N in mass%.
     
    3. The non-oriented electrical steel sheet according to Claim 1 or 2, further containing 0.001 mass% or more and 0.007 mass% or less of B.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Ein nicht-orientiertes Elektrostahlblech, enthaltend eine chemische Zusammensetzung, bestehend aus:

    Si: 2,8 Massen% oder mehr und 4,0 Massen% oder weniger;

    Al: 0,2 Massen% oder mehr und 3,0 Massen% oder weniger; und

    P: 0,02 Massen% oder mehr und 0,2 Massen% oder weniger und

    ferner enthaltend 0,5 Massen% oder mehr von insgesamt mindestens einer Art, ausgewählt aus einer Gruppe bestehend aus 4,0 Massen% oder weniger an Ni und 2,0 Massen% oder weniger an Mn,

    wobei

    ein C-Gehalt 0,003 Massen% oder mehr und 0,05 Massen% oder weniger beträgt,

    ein N-Gehalt 0,01 Massen% oder weniger und bevorzugt 0,001 Massen% oder mehr beträgt,

    und gegebenenfalls eines oder mehrere aus

    einem B-Gehalt von 0,007 Massen% oder weniger,

    Cu: 0,02 Massen% oder mehr und 1,0 Massen% oder weniger;

    Sn: 0,02 Massen% oder mehr und 0,5 Massen% oder weniger;

    Sb: 0,02 Massen% oder mehr und 0,5 Massen% oder weniger;

    Cr: 0,02 Massen% oder mehr und 3,0 Massen% oder weniger; und/oder

    Seltenerdmetall: 0,001 Massen% oder mehr und 0,01 Massen% oder weniger;

    wobei das nicht-orientierte Elektrostahlblech gegebenenfalls ferner Nb enthält und

    ein Wert von RNb 0,1 oder größer und 1 oder kleiner ist, wobei der Wert von RNb durch [Nb]/8([C]+[N]) dargestellt ist, wobei [Nb] für einen Gehalt an Nb in Massen% steht, [C] für einen Gehalt an C in Massen% steht und [N] für einen Gehalt an N in Massen% steht, ein Rest aus Fe und unvermeidbaren Verunreinigungen besteht,

    eine mittlere Korngröße 15 µm oder weniger beträgt, und

    eine <111> Axialdichte 6 oder größer ist.


     
    2. Das nicht-orientierte Elektrostahlblech gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei
    der N-Gehalt 0,001 Massen% oder mehr beträgt, und
    das nicht-orientierte Elektrostahlblech ferner Nb enthält und
    ein Wert von RNb 0,1 oder größer und 1 oder kleiner ist, wobei der Wert von RNb durch [Nb]/8([C]+[N]) dargestellt ist, wobei [Nb] für einen Gehalt an Nb in Massen% steht, [C] für einen Gehalt an C in Massen% steht und [N] für einen Gehalt an N in Massen% steht.
     
    3. Das nicht-orientierte Elektrostahlblech gemäß Anspruch 1 oder 2, ferner enthaltend 0,001 Massen% oder mehr und 0,007 Massen% oder weniger an B.
     


    Revendications

    1. Tôle d'acier électrique non-orienté contenant une composition chimique consistant en :

    Si : 2,8 % en masse ou supérieur et 4,0 % en masse ou inférieur ;

    Al : 0,2 % en masse ou supérieur et 3,0 % en masse ou inférieur ; et

    P : 0,02 % en masse ou supérieur et 0,2 % en masse ou inférieur, et

    contenant de plus 0,5 % en masse ou supérieur au total d'au moins un type choisi dans un groupe consistant en 4,0 % en masse ou inférieur de Ni et 2,0 % en masse ou inférieur de Mn,

    dans laquelle

    une teneur en C est de 0,003 % en masse ou supérieur et 0,05 % en masse ou inférieur,

    une teneur en N est de 0,01 % en masse ou inférieur et de préférence de 0,001 % en masse ou supérieur,

    et éventuellement un ou plusieurs de

    une teneur en B est de 0,007 % en masse ou inférieur,

    Cu : 0,02 % en masse ou supérieur et 1,0 % en masse ou inférieur ;

    Sn : 0,02 % en masse ou supérieur et 0,5 % en masse ou inférieur ;

    Sb : 0,02 % en masse ou supérieur et 0,5 % en masse ou inférieur ;

    Cr : 0,02 % en masse ou supérieur et 3,0 % en masse ou inférieur ; et/ou

    métal de terre rare : 0,001 % en masse ou supérieur et 0,01 % en masse ou inférieur ;

    dans laquelle la tôle d'acier électrique non-orienté contient éventuellement de plus Nb, et une valeur RNb est de 0,1 ou supérieur et de 1 ou inférieur, la valeur RNb étant représentée par [Nb]/8([C]+[N]), avec [Nb] pour une teneur en Nb en % en masse, [C] pour une teneur en C en % en masse, et [N] pour une teneur en N en % en masse, un reste est constitué de Fe et d'impuretés inévitables,

    un diamètre moyen de grain est de 15 µm ou inférieur, et

    une densité axiale <111> est de 6 ou supérieur.


     
    2. Tôle d'acier électrique non-orienté selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle
    la teneur en N est de 0,001 % en masse ou supérieur et
    la tôle d'acier électrique non-orienté contient de plus Nb, et
    une valeur RNb est de 0,1 ou supérieur et de 1 ou inférieur, la valeur RNb étant représentée par [Nb]/8([C]+[N]), avec [Nb] pour une teneur en Nb en % en masse, [C] pour une teneur en C en % en masse, et [N] pour une teneur en N en % en masse.
     
    3. Tôle d'acier électrique non-orienté selon la revendication 1 ou 2, contenant de plus 0,001 % en masse ou supérieur et 0,007 % en masse ou inférieur de B.
     




    Drawing








    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description