[Technical Field of the Invention]
[0001] The present invention relates to a hot-rolled steel sheet. Specifically, the present
invention relates to a hot-rolled steel sheet that is used by being formed into various
shapes by press working or the like, and particularly to a hot-rolled steel sheet
that has a high strength, a high limit fracture sheet thickness reduction ratio, and
excellent ductility and shearing property.
[Background Art]
[0003] In recent years, from the viewpoint of protecting the global environment, efforts
have been made to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide gas emitted in many fields.
Vehicle manufacturers have also actively developed techniques for reducing the weight
of vehicle bodies for the purpose of reducing fuel consumption. However, it is not
easy to reduce the weight of vehicle bodies since the emphasis is placed on improvement
in collision resistance to secure the safety of the occupants.
[0004] In order to achieve both vehicle body weight reduction and collision resistance,
an investigation has been conducted to make a member thin by using a high strength
steel sheet. Therefore, there is a strong demand for a steel sheet having both a high
strength and excellent formability, and several techniques have been proposed to meet
this demand. Since there are various working methods for vehicle members, the required
formability differs depending on members to which the working methods are applied,
but among these, the limit fracture sheet thickness reduction ratio and ductility
are placed as important indices for formability. The limit fracture sheet thickness
reduction ratio is a value that is obtained from the sheet thickness of a tensile
test piece before breaking and the minimum value of the sheet thickness of the tensile
test piece after breaking. It is not preferable that the limit fracture sheet thickness
reduction ratio be low since breaking is likely to occur in an early stage when tensile
strain is applied during press forming.
[0005] Vehicle members are formed by press forming, and the press-formed blank sheets are
often manufactured by highly productive shearing working. A blank sheet manufactured
by shearing working needs to be excellent in terms of the end surface accuracy after
shearing working.
[0006] For example, when a secondary sheared surface consisting of a sheared surface, a
fractured surface, and a sheared surface again is generated in the appearance of the
end surface after shearing working (sheared end surface), the accuracy of the sheared
end surface significantly deteriorates.
[0007] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a hot-rolled steel sheet as a material for
a cold-rolled steel sheet that has excellent surface properties after press working
and in which the Mn segregation degree and the P segregation degree are controlled
at a center portion of the sheet thickness.
[0008] However, in Patent Document 1, the limit fracture sheet thickness reduction ratio
and shearing property of the hot-rolled steel sheet are not considered.
[Prior Art Document]
[Patent Document]
[Non-Patent Documents]
[0010]
[Non-Patent Document 1] J. Webel, J. Gola, D. Britz, F. Mucklich, Materials Characterization 144 (2018) 584-596
[Non-Patent Document 2] D. L. Naik, H. U. Sajid, R. Kiran, Metals 2019, 9, 546
[Non-Patent Document 3] K. Zuiderveld, Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization, Chapter VIII. 5,
Graphics Gems IV. P. S. Heckbert (Eds.), Cambridge, MA, Academic Press, 1994, pp.
474-485
[Disclosure of the Invention]
[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]
[0011] The present invention is contrived in view of the above-described circumstances,
and an object of the present invention is to provide a hot-rolled steel sheet that
has a high strength, a high limit fracture sheet thickness reduction ratio, and excellent
ductility and shearing property.
[Means for Solving the Problem]
[0012] The gist of the present invention is as follows.
- (1) A hot-rolled steel sheet according to an aspect of the present invention containing,
as a chemical composition, by mass%:
C: 0.050% to 0.250%;
Si: 0.05% to 3.00%;
Mn: 1.00% to 4.00%;
sol. Al: 0.001% to 2.000%;
P: 0.100% or less;
S: 0.0300% or less;
N: 0.1000% or less;
O: 0.0100% or less;
Ti: 0% to 0.500%;
Nb: 0% to 0.500%;
V: 0% to 0.500%;
Cu: 0% to 2.00%;
Cr: 0% to 2.00%;
Mo: 0% to 1.00%;
Ni: 0% to 2.00%;
B: 0% to 0.0100%;
Ca: 0% to 0.0200%;
Mg: 0% to 0.0200%;
REM: 0% to 0.1000%;
Bi: 0% to 0.0200%;
As: 0% to 0.100%;
Zr: 0% to 1.00%;
Co: 0% to 1.00%;
Zn: 0% to 1.00%;
W: 0% to 1.00%;
Sn: 0% to 0.05%; and
a remainder: Fe and impurities,
in which Expressions (A) and (B) are satisfied,
a microstructure includes, by area%,
residual austenite of less than 3.0%,
ferrite of 15.0% or more and less than 60.0%, and
pearlite of less than 5.0%,
in which an entropy value represented by Expression (1), obtained by analyzing an
SEM image of the microstructure using a gray-level co-occurrence matrix method, is
10.7 or more,
an inverse difference normalized value represented by Expression (2) is 1.020 or more,
a cluster shade value represented by Expression (3) is -8.0 × 105 to 8.0 × 105, and
a standard deviation of an Mn concentration is 0.60 mass% or less, and
a tensile strength is 980 MPa or more,


where each element symbol in Expressions (A) and (B) represents an amount of the corresponding
element by mass%, and 0% is substituted in a case where the corresponding element
is not contained,
here, P(i, j) in Expressions (1) to (5) is a gray-level co-occurrence matrix, L in
Expression (2) is the number of grayscale levels that can be taken in the SEM image,
i and j in Expressions (2) and (3) are natural numbers of 1 to L, and µx and µy in Expression (3) are each represented by Expressions (4) and (5).





- (2) In the hot-rolled steel sheet according to (1), an average crystal grain size
of a surface layer may be less than 3.0 µm.
- (3) In the hot-rolled steel sheet according to (1) or (2), the chemical composition
may contain, by mass%, one or two or more selected from the group consisting of
Ti: 0.001% to 0.500%,
Nb: 0.001% to 0.500%,
V: 0.001% to 0.500%,
Cu: 0.01% to 2.00%,
Cr: 0.01% to 2.00%,
Mo: 0.01% to 1.00%,
Ni: 0.01% to 2.00%,
B: 0.0001% to 0.0100%,
Ca: 0.0001% to 0.0200%,
Mg: 0.0001% to 0.0200%,
REM: 0.0001% to 0.1000%,
Bi: 0.0001% to 0.0200%,
As: 0.001% to 0.100%,
Zr: 0.01% to 1.00%,
Co: 0.01% to 1.00%,
Zn: 0.01% to 1.00%,
W: 0.01% to 1.00%, and
Sn: 0.01% to 0.05%.
[Effects of the Invention]
[0013] In the aspect according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a hot-rolled
steel sheet that has a high strength, a high limit fracture sheet thickness reduction
ratio, and excellent ductility and shearing property. In addition, in the preferable
aspect according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a hot-rolled steel
sheet that has the above various properties and, furthermore, suppresses the occurrence
of inside bend cracking, that is, has excellent inside bend cracking resistance.
[0014] The hot-rolled steel sheet according to the aspect of the present invention is suitable
as an industrial material used for vehicle members, mechanical structural members,
and building members.
[Brief Description of the Drawings]
[0015]
FIG. 1 is an example of a sheared end surface of a hot-rolled steel sheet according
to a present invention example.
FIG. 2 is an example of a sheared end surface of a hot-rolled steel sheet according
to a comparative example.
[Embodiments of the Invention]
[0016] Hereinafter, the chemical composition and microstructure of a hot-rolled steel sheet
according to the present embodiment will be described in greater detail. However,
the present invention is not limited to configuration disclosed in the present embodiment,
and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present
invention.
[0017] The numerical limit range described below with "to" in between includes the lower
limit and the upper limit. Numerical values indicated as "less than" or "more than"
do not fall within the numerical range. In the following description, % regarding
the chemical composition is mass% unless otherwise specified.
Chemical Composition
[0018] Hereinafter, the chemical composition of the hot-rolled steel sheet according to
the present embodiment will be described in detail.
C: 0.050% to 0.250%
[0019] C increases the area ratio of a hard phase and increases the strength of ferrite
by bonding to a precipitation hardening element such as Ti, Nb, or V. In a case where
the C content is less than 0.050%, it is not possible to obtain a desired strength.
Therefore, the C content is set to 0.050% or more. The C content is preferably 0.060%
or more, more preferably 0.070% or more, and even more preferably 0.080% or more or
0.090% or more.
[0020] Meanwhile, in a case where the C content is more than 0.250%, the ductility of the
hot-rolled steel sheet decreases due to a decrease in area ratio of ferrite. Therefore,
the C content is set to 0.250% or less. The C content is preferably 0.200% or less,
0.150% or less, or 0.120% or less.
Si: 0.05% to 3.00%
[0021] Si acts to promote the formation of ferrite, thereby improving the ductility of a
hot-rolled steel sheet, and to solid solution strengthen ferrite, thereby increasing
the strength of the hot-rolled steel sheet. In addition, Si acts to achieve soundness
of steel by deoxidation (suppressing the occurrence of defects such as blowholes in
the steel). In a case where the Si content is less than 0.05%, it is not possible
to obtain the effects of the actions. Therefore, the Si content is set to 0.05% or
more. The Si content is preferably 0.50% or more, and more preferably 0.80% or more,
1.00% or more, 1.20% or more, or 1.40% or more.
[0022] However, in a case where the Si content is more than 3.00%, the surface properties,
chemical convertibility, ductility, and weldability of a steel sheet significantly
deteriorate, and the A
3 transformation point is significantly increased. Therefore, it becomes difficult
to perform hot rolling in a stable manner. In addition, austenite is likely to remain
after cooling, thereby reducing the limit fracture sheet thickness reduction ratio.
Therefore, the Si content is set to 3.00% or less. The Si content is preferably 2.70%
or less, and more preferably 2.50% or less, 2.20% or less, 2.00% or less, or 1.80%
or less.
Mn: 1.00% to 4.00%
[0023] Mn acts to suppress ferritic transformation, thereby increasing the strength of the
hot-rolled steel sheet. In a case where the Mn content is less than 1.00%, it is not
possible to obtain a desired strength. Therefore, the Mn content is set to 1.00% or
more. The Mn content is preferably 1.30% or more, and more preferably 1.50% or more
or 1.80% or more.
[0024] Meanwhile, in a case where the Mn content is more than 4.00%, the hard phase has
a periodic band-like form due to the segregation of Mn and it becomes difficult to
obtain desired shearing property. Therefore, the Mn content is set to 4.00% or less.
The Mn content is preferably 3.70% or less or 3.50% or less, and more preferably 3.20%
or less, 3.00% or less, or 2.60% or less.
[0025] Ti: 0% to 0.500%, Nb: 0% to 0.500%, V: 0% to 0.500%

[0026] Each element symbol in Expression (A) represents the amount of the corresponding
element by mass%, and 0% is substituted in a case where the corresponding element
is not contained.
[0027] Ti, Nb, and V are elements that are finely precipitated in steel as a carbide and
a nitride and improve the strength of steel by precipitation hardening. In a case
where the total amount of Ti, Nb, and V is less than 0.060%, these effects cannot
be obtained. Therefore, the total amount of Ti, Nb, and V is set to 0.060% or more.
That is, the value of the middle side of Expression (A) is set to 0.060% or more.
Not all of Ti, Nb, and V need to be contained, and any one thereof may be contained,
as long as the total amount thereof is 0.060% or more. Therefore, the lower limits
of the Ti content, the Nb content, and the V content are each 0%. Each of the lower
limits of the Ti content, the Nb content, and the V content may be 0.001%, 0.010%,
0.030%, or 0.050%. The total amount of Ti, Nb, and V is preferably 0.080% or more,
and more preferably 0.100% or more.
[0028] Meanwhile, in a case where any one of the Ti content, the Nb content, and the V content
is more than 0.500% or the total amount of Ti, Nb, and V is more than 0.500%, the
workability of the hot-rolled steel sheet deteriorates. Therefore, each of the Ti
content, the Nb content, and the V content is set to 0.500% or less, and the total
amount of Ti, Nb, and V is set to 0.500% or less. That is, the value of the middle
side of Expression (A) is set to 0.500% or less. Each of the Ti content, the Nb content,
and the V content is preferably 0.400% or less or 0.300% or less, more preferably
0.250% or less, and even more preferably 0.200% or less or 0.100% or less. The total
amount of Ti, Nb, and V is preferably 0.300% or less, more preferably 0.250% or less,
and even more preferably 0.200% or less.
sol. Al: 0.001% to 2.000%
[0029] Similar to Si, Al acts to deoxidize steel, thereby achieving soundness of the steel,
and to promote the formation of ferrite, thereby increasing the ductility of the hot-rolled
steel sheet. In a case where the sol. Al content is less than 0.001%, it is not possible
to obtain the effects of the actions. Therefore, the sol. Al content is set to 0.001%
or more. The sol. Al content is preferably 0.010% or more, 0.030% or more, or 0.050%
or more, and more preferably 0.080% or more, 0.100% or more, or 0.150% or more.
[0030] Meanwhile, in a case where the sol. Al content is more than 2.000%, the above effects
are saturated, which is not economically preferable. Accordingly, the sol. Al content
is set to 2.000% or less. The sol. Al content is preferably 1.700% or less or 1.500%
or less, more preferably 1.300% or less, and even more preferably 1.000% or less.
[0031] The sol. Al means acid-soluble Al and refers to solid solution Al present in steel
in a solid solution state.
P: 0.100% or less
[0032] P is an element that is generally contained as an impurity, but acts to increase
the strength of the hot-rolled steel sheet by solid solution strengthening. The lower
limit of the P content is 0%, but P may be positively contained. However, P is an
element that is easily segregated. In a case where the P content is more than 0.100%,
the ductility and limit fracture sheet thickness reduction ratio of the hot-rolled
steel sheet attributed to boundary segregation are significantly decreased. Therefore,
the P content is set to 0.100% or less. The P content is preferably 0.050% or less,
0.030% or less, 0.020% or less, or 0.015% or less. The lower limit of the P content
does not need to be particularly specified, and the lower limit of the P content is
0%. From the viewpoint of the refining cost, the lower limit of the P content may
be 0.001%, 0.003%, or 0.005%.
S: 0.0300% or less
[0033] S is an element that is contained as an impurity and forms a sulfide-based inclusion
in steel, thereby decreasing the ductility and limit fracture sheet thickness reduction
ratio of the hot-rolled steel sheet. In a case where the S content is more than 0.0300%,
the ductility and limit fracture sheet thickness reduction ratio of the hot-rolled
steel sheet are significantly decreased. Therefore, the S content is set to 0.0300%
or less. The S content is preferably 0.0100% or less, 0.0070% or less, or 0.0050%
or less. The lower limit of the S content is 0%, but may be 0.0001%, 0.0005%, 0.0010%,
or 0.0020% from the viewpoint of the refining cost.
N: 0.1000% or less
[0034] N is an element that is contained in steel as an impurity and acts to decrease the
ductility and limit fracture sheet thickness reduction ratio of the hot-rolled steel
sheet. In a case where the N content is more than 0.1000%, the ductility and limit
fracture sheet thickness reduction ratio of the hot-rolled steel sheet are significantly
decreased. Therefore, the N content is set to 0.1000% or less. The N content is preferably
0.0800% or less, more preferably 0.0700% or less or 0.0300% or less, and even more
preferably 0.0150% or less or 0.0100% or less. The lower limit of the N content is
0%. However, in a case where one or two or more of Ti, Nb, and V are contained to
further refine the microstructure, the N content is preferably set to 0.0010% or more,
and more preferably set to 0.0015% or more or 0.0020% or more in order to promote
the precipitation of a carbonitride.
O: 0.0100% or less
[0035] In a case where a large amount of O is contained in steel, O forms a coarse oxide
that serves as a fracture initiation point, and causes brittle fracture and hydrogen-induced
cracks. Therefore, the O content is set to 0.0100% or less. The O content is preferably
0.0080% or less, and more preferably 0.0050% or less or 0.0030% or less. The lower
limit of the O content is 0%, but in order to disperse a large number of fine oxides
during deoxidation of molten steel, the O content may be set to 0.0005% or more or
0.0010% or more.
[0036] The hot-rolled steel sheet according to the present embodiment may contain the following
elements as optional elements instead of a portion of Fe. In a case where the optional
elements are not contained, the lower limit of the content thereof is 0%. Hereinafter,
the optional elements will be described in detail.
[0037]
Cu: 0.01% to 2.00%
Cr: 0.01% to 2.00%
Mo: 0.01% to 1.00%
Ni: 0.01% to 2.00%
B: 0.0001% to 0.0100%
[0038] All of Cu, Cr, Mo, Ni, and B act to increase the hardenability of the hot-rolled
steel sheet. In addition, Cu and Mo act to increase the strength of the hot-rolled
steel sheet by being precipitated as a carbide in the steel. Furthermore, in a case
where Cu is contained, Ni acts to effectively suppress the intergranular cracking
of a slab caused by Cu. Therefore, one or two or more of these elements may be contained.
[0039] As described above, Cu acts to increase the hardenability of the hot-rolled steel
sheet and to increase the strength of the hot-rolled steel sheet by being precipitated
as a carbide in the steel at a low temperature. In order to more reliably obtain the
effects of the actions, the Cu content is preferably set to 0.01% or more, and more
preferably set to 0.05% or more. However, in a case where the Cu content is more than
2.00%, intergranular cracking may occur in a slab. Therefore, the Cu content is set
to 2.00% or less. The Cu content is preferably 1.50% or less, and more preferably
1.00% or less, 0.70% or less, or 0.50% or less.
[0040] As described above, Cr acts to increase the hardenability of the hot-rolled steel
sheet. In order to more reliably obtain the effect of the action, the Cr content is
preferably set to 0.01% or more, and more preferably set to 0.05% or more. However,
in a case where the Cr content is more than 2.00%, the chemical convertibility of
the hot-rolled steel sheet is significantly decreased. Therefore, the Cr content is
set to 2.00% or less. The Cr content is preferably 1.50% or less, and more preferably
1.00% or less, 0.70% or less, or 0.50% or less.
[0041] As described above, Mo acts to increase the hardenability of the hot-rolled steel
sheet and to increase the strength of the hot-rolled steel sheet by being precipitated
as a carbide in the steel. In order to more reliably obtain the effects of the actions,
the Mo content is preferably set to 0.01% or more, and more preferably set to 0.02%
or more. However, from the economic perspective, it is not preferable that the Mo
content be set to more than 1.00% since the effects of the actions are saturated.
Therefore, the Mo content is 1.00% or less. The O content is preferably 0.50% or less,
and more preferably 0.20% or less or 0.10% or less.
[0042] As described above, Ni acts to increase the hardenability of the hot-rolled steel
sheet. In addition, in a case where Cu is contained, Ni acts to effectively suppress
the intergranular cracking of a slab caused by Cu. In order to more reliably obtain
the effects of the actions, the Ni content is preferably set to 0.01% or more. Since
Ni is an expensive element, it is not economically preferable to contain a large amount
of Ni. Therefore, the Ni content is set to 2.00% or less. The Ni content is preferably
1.50% or less, and more preferably 1.00% or less, 0.70% or less, or 0.50% or less.
[0043] As described above, B acts to increase the hardenability of the hot-rolled steel
sheet. In order to more reliably obtain the effect of the action, the B content is
preferably set to 0.0001% or more, and more preferably set to 0.0002% or more. However,
in a case where the B content is more than 0.0100%, the formability of the hot-rolled
steel sheet is significantly decreased, and thus the B content is set to 0.0100% or
less. The B content is preferably 0.0050% or less or 0.0025% or less.
[0044]
Ca: 0.0001% to 0.0200%
Mg: 0.0001% to 0.0200%
REM: 0.0001% to 0.1000%
Bi: 0.0001% to 0.0200%
As: 0.001 % to 0.100%
[0045] All of Ca, Mg, and REM act to increase the ductility of the hot-rolled steel sheet
by adjusting the shape of inclusions in steel to a preferable shape. In addition,
Bi acts to increase the ductility of the hot-rolled steel sheet by refining the solidification
structure. Therefore, one or two or more of these elements may be contained. In order
to more reliably obtain the effects of the actions, the amount of any one or more
of Ca, Mg, REM, and Bi is preferably set to 0.0001% or more. However, in a case where
the Ca content or Mg content is more than 0.0200% or the REM content is more than
0.1000%, an inclusion is excessively formed in steel, and thus the ductility of the
hot-rolled steel sheet may be conversely decreased. In addition, from the economic
perspective, it is not preferable that the Bi content be set to more than 0.0200%
since the effects of the actions are saturated. Therefore, the Ca content and the
Mg content are set to 0.0200% or less, the REM content is set to 0.1000% or less,
and the Bi content is set to 0.0200% or less. The Ca content, Mg content, and Bi content
are preferably 0.0100% or less, and more preferably 0.0070% or less or 0.0040% or
less. The REM content is preferably 0.0070% or less or 0.0040% or less. As refines
prior austenite grains by lowering an austenite single-phase formation temperature,
thereby contributing to an improvement in ductility of the hot-rolled steel sheet.
In order to reliably obtain the effects, the As content is preferably set to 0.001%
or more. Meanwhile, since the above effects are saturated even in a case where a large
amount of As is contained, the As content is set to 0.100% or less.
[0046] Here, REM refers to a total of 17 elements consisting of Sc, Y, and lanthanoids,
and the REM content refers to the total amount of these elements. Lanthanoids are
industrially added in the form of misch metal.
[0047] Zr: 0.01% to 1.00%, Co: 0.01% to 1.00%, Zn: 0.01% to 1.00%, W: 0.01% to 1.00%

[0048] Each element symbol in Expression (B) represents the amount of the corresponding
element by mass%, and 0% is substituted in a case where the corresponding element
is not contained.
Sn: 0.01% to 0.05%
[0049] Regarding Zr, Co, Zn, and W, the present inventors have confirmed that, even in a
case where these elements are contained in an amount of 1.00% or less in total, the
effects of the hot-rolled steel sheet according to the present embodiment are not
impaired. Therefore, one or two or more of Zr, Co, Zn, and W may be contained in an
amount of 1.00% or less in total. That is, the value of the left side of Expression
(B) may be set to 1.00% or less, 0.50% or less, 0.10% or less, or 0.05% or less. Each
of the Zr content, the Co content, the Zn content, the W content, and the Sn content
may be set to 0.50% or less, 0.10% or less, or 0.05% or less. Since Zr, Co, Zn, and
W do not have to be contained, the amount of each of Zr, Co, Zn, and W may be 0%.
In order to improve the strength by solid solution strengthening of the steel sheet,
each of the Zr content, the Co content, the Zn content, and the W content may be 0.01%
or more.
[0050] In addition, the present inventors have confirmed that, even in a case where Sn is
contained in a small amount, the effects of the hot-rolled steel sheet according to
the present embodiment are not impaired. However, in a case where a large amount of
Sn is contained, a defect may be generated during hot rolling, and thus the Sn content
is set to 0.05% or less. Since Sn does not have to be contained, the Sn content may
be 0%. In order to increase the corrosion resistance of the hot-rolled steel sheet,
the Sn content may be 0.01% or more.
[0051] The remainder of the chemical composition of the hot-rolled steel sheet according
to the present embodiment may consist of Fe and impurities. In the present embodiment,
the impurities mean substances incorporated from ore as a raw material, a scrap, manufacturing
environment, or the like and/or substances permitted to an extent that the hot-rolled
steel sheet according to the present embodiment is not adversely affected.
[0052] The chemical composition of the above hot-rolled steel sheet may be measured by a
general analytical method. For example, the chemical composition may be measured using
inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). sol. Al may be
measured by ICP-AES using a filtrate obtained by heating and decomposing a sample
with an acid. In addition, C and S may be measured using a combustion-infrared absorption
method, N may be measured using an inert gas fusion-thermal conductivity method, and
O may be measured using an inert gas fusion-non-dispersive infrared absorption method.
[0053] In a case where the hot-rolled steel sheet is provided with a plating layer on the
surface, the chemical composition may be analyzed after removing the plating layer
by mechanical grinding or the like, as necessary.
Microstructure of Hot-Rolled Steel Sheet
[0054] Next, the microstructure of the hot-rolled steel sheet according to the present embodiment
will be described.
[0055] The hot-rolled steel sheet according to the present embodiment has a microstructure
including, by area%, residual austenite of less than 3.0%, ferrite of 15.0% or more
and less than 60.0%, and pearlite of less than 5.0%, in which an entropy value represented
by Expression (1), obtained by analyzing an SEM image of the microstructure using
a gray-level co-occurrence matrix method, is 10.7 or more, an inverse difference normalized
value represented by Expression (2) is 1.020 or more, a cluster shade value represented
by Expression (3) is -8.0 × 10
5 to 8.0 × 10
5, and a standard deviation of an Mn concentration is 0.60 mass% or less.
[0056] Therefore, the hot-rolled steel sheet according to the present embodiment can obtain
excellent ductility and shearing property while having a high strength and a high
limit fracture sheet thickness reduction ratio. In the present embodiment, the microstructural
fraction, entropy value, inverse difference normalized value, cluster shade value,
and standard deviation of the Mn concentration are specified in the microstructure
in a cross section parallel to the rolling direction at a depth position 1/4 of the
sheet thickness away from the surface (a region ranging from a depth of 1/8 of the
sheet thickness from the surface to a depth of 3/8 of the sheet thickness from the
surface) at a center position in the sheet width direction. The reason therefor is
that the microstructures at the position indicate typical microstructures of the steel
sheet.
[0057] The surface mentioned here refers to the interface between a plating layer and the
steel sheet in a case where the hot-rolled steel sheet is provided with the plating
layer.
Area Ratio of Residual Austenite: less than 3.0%
[0058] Residual austenite is a microstructure that is present as a face-centered cubic lattice
even at room temperature. Residual austenite acts to increase the ductility of the
hot-rolled steel sheet by transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP). Meanwhile, residual
austenite transforms into high-carbon martensite during shearing working, which inhibits
the stable occurrence of cracking and causes the formation of a secondary sheared
surface and the decrease of a limit fracture sheet thickness reduction ratio. In a
case where the area ratio of the residual austenite is 3.0% or more, the action is
actualized, and the shearing property of the hot-rolled steel sheet deteriorates.
Therefore, the area ratio of the residual austenite is set to less than 3.0%. The
area ratio of the residual austenite is preferably less than 1.5%, and more preferably
less than 1.0%. Since residual austenite is preferably as little as possible, the
area ratio of the residual austenite may be 0%.
[0059] As a method of measuring the area ratio of the residual austenite, methods by X-ray
diffraction, electron back scatter diffraction image (EBSP, electron back scattering
diffraction pattern) analysis, and magnetic measurement and the like are known. In
the present embodiment, the area ratio of the residual austenite is measured by X-ray
diffraction that makes it relatively easy to obtain accurate measurement results and
is hardly affected by polishing, since it is less susceptible to polishing (when affected
by polishing, the residual austenite may be converted into another phase such as martensite,
so that the true area ratio may not be measured).
[0060] In the measurement of the area ratio of the residual austenite by X-ray diffraction
in the present embodiment, first, the integrated intensities of a total of 6 peaks
of α(110), α(200), α(211), γ(111), γ(200), and γ(220) are obtained in a sheet thickness-directional
cross section parallel to the rolling direction at a 1/4 depth position of the sheet
thickness (a region ranging from a depth of 1/8 of the sheet thickness from the surface
to a depth of 3/8 of the sheet thickness from the surface) at a center position in
the sheet width direction of the hot-rolled steel sheet using Co-Kα rays, and the
volume percentage of the residual austenite is obtained by calculation using the strength
averaging method. The obtained volume percentage of the residual austenite is regarded
as the area ratio of the residual austenite.
Area Ratio of Ferrite: 15.0% or more and less than 60.0%
[0061] Ferrite is a structure formed when fcc transforms into bcc at a relatively high temperature.
Since ferrite has a high work hardening rate, the ferrite acts to increase the balance
between the strength and ductility of the hot-rolled steel sheet. In order to obtain
the above action, the area ratio of the ferrite is set to 15.0% or more. The area
ratio of the ferrite is preferably 20.0% or more, more preferably 25.0% or more, and
even more preferably 30.0% or more.
[0062] Meanwhile, since ferrite has a low strength, a desired strength cannot be obtained
when the area ratio is excessive. Therefore, the area ratio of the ferrite is set
to less than 60.0%. The area ratio of the ferrite is preferably 50.0% or less, and
more preferably 45.0% or less or 40.0% or less.
Area Ratio of Pearlite: less than 5.0%
[0063] Pearlite is a lamellar microstructure in which cementite is precipitated in layers
between ferrite and is a soft microstructure as compared with bainite and martensite.
In a case where the area ratio of the pearlite is 5.0% or more, carbon is consumed
by cementite that is contained in pearlite, the strengths of martensite and bainite,
that are the remainder in microstructure, decrease, and a desired strength cannot
be obtained. Therefore, the area ratio of the pearlite is set to less than 5.0%. The
area ratio of the pearlite is preferably 3.0% or less, 2.0% or less, or 1.0% or less.
[0064] In order to improve the stretch flangeability of the hot-rolled steel sheet, the
area ratio of the pearlite is preferably reduced as much as possible, and the area
ratio of the pearlite is more preferably 0%.
[0065] The hot-rolled steel sheet according to the present embodiment contains a hard structure
consisting of one or two or more of bainite, martensite, and tempered martensite in
a total area ratio of more than 32.0% and 85.0% or less as the remainder in microstructure
other than residual austenite, ferrite, and pearlite. The lower limit of the total
area ratio of the remainder in microstructure may be 36.0%, 40.0%, 44.0%, 48.0%, 52.0%,
or 55.0%, and the upper limit thereof may be 82.0%, 78.0%, 74.0%, 70.0%, or 66.0%.
The remainder in microstructure other than residual austenite, ferrite, and pearlite
may include one or two or more of bainite, martensite, and tempered martensite.
[0066] The measurement of the area ratio of the microstructure is conducted by the following
method. A sheet thickness-directional cross section parallel to the rolling direction
is mirror-finished and, furthermore, polished at room temperature with colloidal silica
not containing an alkaline solution for 8 minutes, thereby removing strain introduced
into the surface layer of a sample. In a random position of the sample cross section
in a longitudinal direction, a 50 µm-long region at a depth position 1/4 of the sheet
thickness away from the surface (a region ranging from a depth of 1/8 of the sheet
thickness from the surface to a depth of 3/8 of the sheet thickness from the surface)
at a center position in the sheet width direction is measured by an electron backscatter
diffraction method at a measurement interval of 0.1 µm to obtain crystal orientation
information. For the measurement, an EBSD analyzer composed of a thermal field emission
scanning electron microscope (JSM-7001F manufactured by JEOL) and an EBSD detector
(DVC5 type detector manufactured by TSL) is used. In this case, the degree of vacuum
inside the EBSD analyzer is set to 9.6 × 10
-5 Pa or less, the acceleration voltage is set to 15 kV, the irradiation current level
is set to 13, and the electron beam irradiation level is set to 62. The observation
area is set to 40,000 µm
2.
[0067] Furthermore, a reflected electron image is captured in the same visual field. First,
crystal grains in which ferrite and cementite are precipitated in layers are specified
from the reflected electron image and the area ratio of the crystal grains is calculated
to obtain an area ratio of pearlite. After that, for crystal grains determined to
have a body-centered cubic lattice structure among crystal grains except the crystal
grains determined as pearlite, from the obtained crystal orientation information,
regions where the grain average misorientation value is 1.0° or less are determined
as ferrite using a "Grain Average Misorientation" function mounted in software "OIM
Analysis (registered trademark)" included in the EBSD analyzer. In that case, the
grain tolerance angle is set to 15° and the area ratio of the regions determined as
ferrite is obtained to obtain an area ratio of ferrite.
[0068] Next, the area ratio of regions except the regions determined as pearlite or ferrite
is measured to obtain an area ratio of the remainder in microstructure (that is, bainite,
martensite, and tempered martensite). In a case where it is desired to measure the
area ratio of bainite and the total area ratio of martensite and tempered martensite,
these area ratios can be measured by the following method. Specifically, with respect
to the remainder regions, when the maximum value of "Grain Average IQ" of the ferrite
regions is represented by Iα, regions where "Grain Average IQ" becomes more than Iα/2
are extracted (determined) as bainite, and regions where "Grain Average IQ" becomes
Iα/2 or less are extracted (determined) as "martensite or tempered martensite". The
area ratio of the regions extracted (determined) as bainite is calculated to obtain
the area ratio of bainite. In addition, the area ratio of the regions extracted (determined)
as martensite or tempered martensite is calculated to obtain the total area ratio
of martensite and tempered martensite.
[0069] In the present embodiment, since the area ratios of the structures are measured by
X-ray diffraction and EBSD analysis, the total of the area ratios of the structures
obtained by the measurement may not be 100.0%. In a case where the total of the area
ratios of the structures obtained by the above method does not reach 100.0%, the area
ratios of the structures are converted so that the total of the area ratios of the
structures reaches 100.0%. For example, in a case where the total of the area ratios
of the structures is 103.0%, the area ratio of each structure is multiplied by "100.0/103.0"
to obtain the area ratio of each structure.
[0070] Entropy Value: 10.7 or more, Inverse Difference Normalized Value: 1.020 or more
In order to suppress the generation of a secondary sheared surface, it is important
to form a fractured surface after a sheared surface is sufficiently formed, and there
is a need to suppress the early occurrence of cracking from the cutting edge of a
tool during shearing working. In order for that, it is important that the periodicity
of the microstructure is low and the uniformity of the microstructure is high. In
the present embodiment, the generation of a secondary sheared surface is suppressed
by controlling the entropy value (E value) representing the periodicity of the microstructure
and the inverse difference normalized value (I value) representing the uniformity
of the microstructure.
[0071] The E value represents the periodicity of the microstructure. In a case where the
brightness is periodically arranged due to an influence of the formation of a band-like
structure or the like, that is, the periodicity of the microstructure is high, the
E value decreases. In the present embodiment, since there is a need to make the microstructure
poorly periodic, it is necessary to increase the E value. In a case where the E value
is less than 10.7, a secondary sheared surface is likely to be generated. From periodically
arranged structures as initiation points, cracking occurs from the cutting edge of
a shearing tool in an extremely early stage of shearing working to form a fractured
surface, and then a sheared surface is formed again. It is presumed that this makes
it likely for a secondary sheared surface to be generated. Therefore, the E value
is set to 10.7 or more. The E value is preferably 10.8 or more, and more preferably
11.0 or more. The E value is preferably as high as possible, and the upper limit is
not particularly specified and may be set to 13.0 or less, 12.5 or less, or 12.0 or
less.
[0072] The I value represents the uniformity of the microstructure, and increases as the
area of a region having certain brightness increases. A high I value means that the
uniformity of the microstructure is high. In the hot-rolled steel sheet according
to the present embodiment that has a microstructure with an area ratio of ferrite
of 15.0% or more and less than 60.0%, it is necessary to make the microstructure highly
uniform. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is necessary to increase the I value.
In a case where the I value is less than 1.020, due to an influence of the hardness
distribution attributed to precipitates in crystal grains and an element concentration
difference, cracking occurs from the cutting edge of a shearing tool in an extremely
early stage of shearing working to form a fractured surface, and then a sheared surface
is formed again. It is presumed that this makes it likely for a secondary sheared
surface to be generated. Therefore, the I value is set to 1.020 or more. The 1 value
is preferably 1.025 or more, and more preferably 1.030 or more. The I value is preferably
as high as possible, and the upper limit is not particularly specified and may be
set to 1.200 or less, 1.150 or less, or 1.100 or less.
Cluster Shade Value: -8.0 × 105 to 8.0 × 105
[0073] The Cluster shade value (CS value) represents the degree of strain of the microstructure.
The CS value becomes a positive value in a case where there are many points having
higher brightness than an average value of brightness in an image obtained by photographing
the microstructure, and the CS value becomes a negative value in a case where there
are many points having lower brightness than the average value.
[0074] In a secondary electron image of a scanning electron microscope, the brightness is
high at places where the surface unevenness of a target to be observed is large, and
the brightness is low at places where the unevenness is small. The surface unevenness
of the target to be observed is greatly affected by the grain size and the strength
distribution in the microstructure. In the present embodiment, in a case where the
variation in strength of the microstructure is large or the structural unit is small,
the CS value is large, and in a case where the variation in strength is small or the
structural unit is large, the CS value is small.
[0075] In the present embodiment, it is important to keep the CS value within a desired
range close to zero. In a case where the CS value is less than -8.0 × 10
5, the limit fracture sheet thickness reduction ratio of the hot-rolled steel sheet
is decreased. The reason for this is presumed to be that there are crystal grains
having a large grain size in the microstructure and the crystal grains preferentially
fracture during ultimate deformation. Therefore, the CS value is set to -8.0 × 10
5 or more. The CS value is preferably -7.5 × 10
5 or more, and more preferably -7.0 × 10
5 or more.
[0076] Meanwhile, in a case where the CS value is more than 8.0 × 10
5, the limit fracture sheet thickness reduction ratio of the hot-rolled steel sheet
is decreased. The reason for this is presumed to be that the variation in microscopic
strength is large in the microstructure, strain is locally concentrated during ultimate
deformation, and thus fracture is likely to occur. Therefore, the CS value is set
to 8.0 × 10
5 or less. The CS value is preferably 7.5 × 10
5 or less, and more preferably 7.0 × 10
5 or less.
[0077] The E value, the I value, and the CS value can be obtained by the following method.
[0078] In the present embodiment, a region where an SEM image (a secondary electron image
of a scanning electron microscope) is captured to calculate the E value, the I value,
and the CS value is set in a sheet thickness-directional cross section parallel to
the rolling direction at a depth position 1/4 of the sheet thickness away from the
surface (a region ranging from a depth of 1/8 of the sheet thickness from the surface
to a depth of 3/8 of the sheet thickness from the surface) at a center position in
the sheet width direction. The SEM image is captured using an SU-6600 Schottky electron
gun manufactured by Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation with a tungsten emitter
and an acceleration voltage of 1.5 kV. Based on the above settings, the SEM image
is output at a magnification of 1,000 times in 256 grayscale levels.
[0079] Next, on an image obtained by cutting out the obtained SEM image into an 880 × 880-pixel
region (the observation region is 160 µm × 160 µm in actual size), a smoothing treatment
described in Non-Patent Document 3, in which the contrast-enhanced limit magnification
is set to 2.0 and the tile grid size is 8 × 8 is performed. The smoothed SEM image
is rotated counterclockwise from 0 degrees to 179 degrees in increments of 1 degree,
excluding 90 degrees, and an image is created at each angle, thereby obtaining a total
of 179 images. Next, from each of these 179 images, the frequency values of brightness
between adjacent pixels are sampled in a matrix form using the GLCM method described
in Non-Patent Document 1.
[0080] 179 matrixes of the frequency values sampled by the above method are expressed as
p
k (k = 0 ··· 89, 91, ··· 179) where k is a rotation angle from the original image.
p
k's generated for the individual images are summed for all k's (k = 0 ··· 89, 91, ···
179), and then 256 × 256 matrixes P standardized such that the total of individual
components becomes 1 are calculated. Furthermore, the E value, the I value, and the
CS value are each calculated using Expressions (1) to (5) described in Non-Patent
Document 2.
[0081] P(i, j) in Expressions (1) to (5) is a gray-level co-occurrence matrix, and the value
at the i-th row in the j-th column of the matrix P is expressed as P (i, j). The calculation
is performed using the 256 × 256 matrixes P as described above, and thus in a case
where it is desired to emphasize this point, Expressions (1) to (5) can be corrected
to Expressions (1') to (5').
[0082] Here, L in Expression (2) is the number of grayscale levels (quantization levels
of grayscale) that can be taken in the SEM image. In the present embodiment, since
the SEM image is output in 256 grayscale levels as described above, L is 256. i and
j in Expressions (2) and (3) are natural numbers of 1 to L, and µ
x and µ
y in Expression (3) are each represented by Expressions (4) and (5).
Standard Deviation of Mn Concentration: 0.60 mass% or less
[0084] The standard deviation of the Mn concentration at a depth position 1/4 of the sheet
thickness away from the surface (a region ranging from a depth of 1/8 of the sheet
thickness from the surface to a depth of 3/8 of the sheet thickness from the surface)
of the hot-rolled steel sheet according to the present embodiment at a center position
in the sheet width direction is 0.60 mass% or less. This makes it possible to uniformly
disperse the hard phase and makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of cracking
from the cutting edge of a shearing tool in an extremely early stage of shearing working.
As a result, the generation of a secondary sheared surface can be suppressed. The
standard deviation of the Mn concentration is preferably 0.55 mass% or less or 0.50
mass% or less, and more preferably 0.47 mass% or less or 0.45 mass% or less. The value
of the lower limit of the standard deviation of the Mn concentration is desirably
as small as possible from the viewpoint of suppressing excessively large burrs, but
the substantial lower limit is 0.10 mass% due to restrictions in the manufacturing
process. The lower limit thereof may be set to 0.20 mass% or 0.28 mass% as necessary.
[0085] After a sheet thickness-directional cross section parallel to the rolling direction
of the hot-rolled steel sheet is mirror-polished, a depth position 1/4 of the sheet
thickness away from the surface (a region ranging from a depth of 1/8 of the sheet
thickness from the surface to a depth of 3/8 of the sheet thickness from the surface)
at a center position in the sheet width direction is measured with an electron probe
microanalyzer (EPMA) to measure the standard deviation of the Mn concentration. As
measurement conditions, the acceleration voltage is set to 15 kV, the magnification
is set to 5,000 times, and the distribution image of a range that is 20 µm long in
the sample rolling direction and 20 µm long in the sample sheet thickness direction
is measured. More specifically, the measurement interval is set to 0.1 µm, and the
Mn concentrations are measured at 40,000 or more points. Next, the standard deviation
is calculated based on the Mn concentrations obtained from all of the measurement
points, thereby obtaining the standard deviation of the Mn concentration.
Average Crystal Grain Size of Surface Layer: less than 3.0 µm
[0086] Inside bend cracking can be suppressed in the hot-rolled steel sheet by making the
crystal grain size of the surface layer fine. The higher the strength of the hot-rolled
steel sheet, the more likely the cracking is to occur from the inside bend during
bending (hereinafter, referred to as inside bend cracking). The mechanism of inside
bend cracking is presumed as follows. At the time of bending, compressive stress is
generated in the inside bend. In the beginning, the working proceeds while the entire
inside bend is uniformly deformed; however, as the amount of the working increases,
only uniform deformation is no longer sufficient to carry deformation, and the deformation
proceeds as strain concentrates locally (generation of a shear deformation band).
As this shear deformation band further grows, cracking occurs along the shear band
from the surface of the inside bend and propagate. The reason for the inside bend
cracking to be more likely to occur in association with high-strengthening is presumed
to be that deterioration of work hardening capability in association with high-strengthening
makes it difficult for uniform deformation to proceed and makes it easy for bias of
deformation to be caused, which generates a shear deformation band in an early stage
of the working (or under loose working conditions).
[0087] The present inventors found from studies that inside bend cracking becomes significant
in steel sheets having a 980 MPa or more-grade tensile strength. In addition, the
present inventors found that, as the crystal grain size of the surface layer of the
hot-rolled steel sheet becomes finer, local strain concentration is further suppressed,
and it becomes more unlikely that inside bend cracking occurs. In order to obtain
the above action, the average crystal grain size of the surface layer of the hot-rolled
steel sheet is preferably set to less than 3.0 µm. Therefore, in the present embodiment,
the average crystal grain size of the surface layer may be set to less than 3.0 µm.
The average crystal grain size of the surface layer is more preferably 2.7 µm or less
or 2.5 µm or less. The lower limit of the average crystal grain size of the surface
layer region is not particularly specified and may be set to 0.5 µm or 1.0 µm.
[0088] In the present embodiment, the surface layer is a region ranging from the surface
of the hot-rolled steel sheet to a position at a depth of 50 µm from the surface.
As described above, the surface mentioned here refers to the interface between a plating
layer and the steel sheet in a case where the hot-rolled steel sheet is provided with
the plating layer.
[0089] The crystal grain size of the surface layer is measured using an EBSP-OIM (electron
back scatter diffraction pattern-orientation image microscopy) method. The EBSP-OIM
method is performed using a device obtained by combining a scanning electron microscope
and an EBSP analyzer and OIM Analysis (registered trademark) manufactured by AMETEK,
Inc. The analyzable area of the EBSP-OIM method is a region that can be observed with
the SEM. The EBSP-OIM method makes it possible to analyze a region with a minimum
resolution of 20 nm, which varies depending on the resolution of the SEM.
[0090] In a region in a cross section parallel to the rolling direction of the hot-rolled
steel sheet, ranging from the surface of the hot-rolled steel sheet to a position
at a depth of 50 µm from the surface, at a center position in the sheet width direction,
analysis is performed in at least 5 visual fields at a magnification of 1,200 times
and a region of 40 µm × 30 µm. A place where an angle difference between adjacent
measurement points is 5° or more is defined as a crystal grain boundary, and an area-averaged
crystal grain size is calculated. The obtained area-averaged crystal grain size is
regarded as the average crystal grain size of the surface layer.
[0091] Residual austenite is not a structure formed by phase transformation at 600°C or
lower and has no dislocation accumulation effect. Accordingly, in the present measurement
method (the method of measuring the average crystal grain size of the surface layer),
residual austenite is not regarded as a target to be analyzed. In a case where the
area ratio of residual austenite is 0%, there is no need to exclude the residual austenite
from the target to be analyzed. However, in a case where there is a possibility of
affecting the measurement of the average crystal grain size of the surface layer,
residual austenite having an fee crystal structure is excluded for measurement from
the target to be analyzed in the EBSP-OIM method.
Tensile Strength Properties
[0092] Among the mechanical properties of the hot-rolled steel sheet, the tensile strength
properties (tensile strength, total elongation) are evaluated according to JIS Z 2241:
2011. As a test piece, a No. 5 test piece of JIS Z 2241: 2011 is used. As a position
where a tensile test piece is collected, a 1/4 portion extending from the end portion
in the sheet width direction may be set, and a direction perpendicular to the rolling
direction may be set as a longitudinal direction.
[0093] In the hot-rolled steel sheet according to the present embodiment, the tensile strength
(TS) is 980 MPa or more. The tensile strength is preferably 1,000 MPa or more. In
a case where the tensile strength is less than 980 MPa, an applicable component is
limited, and the contribution to vehicle body weight reduction is small. The upper
limit does not need to be particularly limited and may be set to 1,780 MPa from the
viewpoint of suppressing the wearing of a die.
[0094] In addition, the total elongation of the hot-rolled steel sheet according to the
present embodiment is preferably set to 10.0% or more, and the product of the tensile
strength and the total elongation (TS × El) is preferably set to 13,000 MPa·% or more.
The total elongation is more preferably set to 11.0% or more, and even more preferably
set to 13.0% or more. In addition, the product of the tensile strength and the total
elongation is more preferably set to 14,000 MPa·% or more, and even more preferably
15,000 MPa·% or more. The total elongation set to 10.0% or more and the product of
the tensile strength and the total elongation set to 13,000 MPa·% or more significantly
contribute to vehicle body weight reduction without limiting applicable components.
The upper limit of the product of the tensile strength and the total elongation does
not need to be set and may be set to 22,000 MPa·% or 18,000 MPa·%. The upper limit
of the total elongation does not need to be set and may be set to 30.0%, 25.0%, or
22.0%.
Sheet Thickness
[0095] The sheet thickness of the hot-rolled steel sheet according to the present embodiment
is not particularly limited and may be set to 0.5 to 8.0 mm. In a case where the sheet
thickness of the hot-rolled steel sheet is less than 0.5 mm, it may become difficult
to secure the rolling finishing temperature and the rolling force may become excessive,
which may make hot rolling difficult. Therefore, the sheet thickness of the hot-rolled
steel sheet according to the present embodiment may be set to 0.5 mm or more. The
sheet thickness is preferably 1.2 mm or more, 1.4 mm or more, or 1.8 mm or more. Meanwhile,
in a case where the sheet thickness is more than 8.0 mm, it becomes difficult to refine
the microstructure, and it may be difficult to obtain the above-described microstructure.
Therefore, the sheet thickness may be set to 8.0 mm or less. The sheet thickness is
preferably 6.0 mm or less, 5.0 mm or less, or 4.0 mm or less.
Plating Layer
[0096] The hot-rolled steel sheet according to the present embodiment having the above-described
chemical composition and microstructure may be provided with a plating layer on the
surface for the purpose of improving corrosion resistance and the like and thereby
made into a surface-treated steel sheet. The plating layer may be an electro plating
layer or a hot-dip plating layer. As the electro plating layer, electrogalvanizing,
electro Zn-Ni alloy plating, and the like are exemplary examples. As the hot-dip plating
layer, hot-dip galvanizing, hot-dip galvannealing, hot-dip aluminizing, hot-dip Zn-Al
alloy plating, hot-dip Zn-Al-Mg alloy plating, hot-dip Zn-Al-Mg-Si alloy plating,
and the like are exemplary examples. The plating adhesion amount is not particularly
limited and may be the same as before. In addition, it is also possible to further
increase the corrosion resistance by performing an appropriate chemical conversion
treatment (for example, application and drying of a silicate-based chromium-free chemical
conversion liquid) after plating.
Manufacturing Conditions
[0097] A suitable manufacturing method of the hot-rolled steel sheet according to the present
embodiment having the above-described chemical composition and microstructure is as
follows.
[0098] In the suitable manufacturing method of the hot-rolled steel sheet according to the
present embodiment, the following steps (1) to (10) are sequentially performed. The
temperature of a slab and the temperature of a steel sheet in the present embodiment
refer to the surface temperature of the slab and the surface temperature of the steel
sheet. In addition, stress refers to tension that is loaded in the rolling direction
of the steel sheet.
[0099]
- (1) A slab is held in a temperature range of 700°C to 850°C for 900 seconds or longer,
then, further heated, and held in a temperature range of 1,100°C or higher for 6,000
seconds or longer.
- (2) Hot rolling is performed so that the sheet thickness is reduced by a total of
90% or more in a temperature range of 850°C to 1,100°C.
- (3) Stress of 170 kPa or more is loaded to the steel sheet after rolling one stage
before the final stage of the hot rolling and before the final stage rolling.
- (4) The rolling reduction at the final stage of the hot rolling is set to 8% or more,
and the hot rolling is finished so that the rolling finishing temperature Tf becomes
900°C or higher and lower than 1,010°C.
- (5) Stress that is loaded to the steel sheet after the final stage rolling of the
hot rolling and until the steel sheet is cooled to 800°C is set to less than 200 kPa.
- (6) The steel sheet is cooled to a temperature range of the hot rolling finishing
temperature Tf - 50°C or lower within 1 second after the finishing of the hot rolling,
and then accelerated cooling is performed to a temperature range of 600°C to 730°C
at an average cooling rate of 50 °C/s or faster. Here, the cooling to the temperature
range of the hot rolling finishing temperature Tf - 50°C or lower within 1 second
after the finishing of the hot rolling is a more preferable cooling condition.
- (7) Slow cooling at an average cooling rate of slower than 5 °C/s is performed in
a temperature range of 600°C to 730°C for 2.0 seconds or longer.
- (8) After the end of the slow cooling, cooling is performed so that the average cooling
rate in a temperature range of 450°C to 600°C is 30 °C/s or faster and slower than
50 °C/s.
- (9) Cooling is performed so that the average cooling rate in a temperature range of
the coiling temperature to 450°C is 50 °C/s or faster.
- (10) Coiling is performed in a temperature range of 350°C or lower.
[0100] A hot-rolled steel sheet having a microstructure that has a high strength, a high
limit fracture sheet thickness reduction ratio, and excellent ductility and shearing
property can be stably manufactured by employing the above-described manufacturing
method. That is, by appropriately controlling the slab heating conditions and the
hot rolling conditions, the reduction of Mn segregation and equiaxed austenite before
transformation are achieved, and, in cooperation with the cooling conditions after
the hot rolling to be described later, a hot-rolled steel sheet having a desired microstructure
can be stably manufactured.
(1) Slab, Slab Temperature When Subjected to Hot Rolling, and Holding Time
[0101] As the slab to be subjected to hot rolling, a slab obtained by continuous casting,
a slab obtained by casting and blooming, and the like can be used. In addition, a
slab obtained by additionally performing hot working or cold working on the above-described
slab can be used as necessary.
[0102] The slab to be subjected to hot rolling is preferably held in a temperature range
of 700°C to 850°C for 900 seconds or longer during slab heating, then, further heated,
and held in a temperature range of 1,100°C or higher for 6,000 seconds or longer.
During the holding in a temperature range of 700°C to 850°C, the steel sheet temperature
may be fluctuated or be maintained constant in this temperature range. Furthermore,
during the holding in a temperature range of 1,100°C or higher, the steel sheet temperature
may be fluctuated or be maintained constant in a temperature range of 1,100°C or higher.
[0103] In austenite transformation in the temperature range of 700°C to 850°C, Mn is distributed
between ferrite and austenite, and Mn can be diffused into the ferrite region by extending
the transformation time. Accordingly, the Mn micro segregation unevenly distributed
in the slab can be eliminated, and the standard deviation of the Mn concentration
can be significantly reduced. In addition, by holding the steel sheet in the temperature
range of 1,100°C or higher for 6,000 seconds or longer, it is possible to make the
austenite grains during slab heating uniform.
[0104] In the hot rolling, it is preferable to use a reverse mill or a tandem mill for multi-pass
rolling. Particularly, from the viewpoint of industrial productivity and of stress
loading on the steel sheet during rolling, at least the final two stages are more
preferably hot rolling in which a tandem mill is used.
(2) Rolling Reduction of Hot Rolling: Sheet Thickness Reduction by Total of 90% or
More in Temperature Range of 850°C to 1,100°C
[0105] By performing hot rolling so that the sheet thickness is reduced by a total of 90%
or more in a temperature range of 850°C to 1,100°C, recrystallized austenite grains
are mainly refined, and accumulation of strain energy into unrecrystallized austenite
grains is promoted. In addition, the recrystallization of austenite is promoted, and
the atomic diffusion of Mn is promoted, which makes it possible to reduce the standard
deviation of the Mn concentration. Therefore, it is preferable to perform the hot
rolling so that the sheet thickness is reduced by a total of 90% or more in a temperature
range of 850°C to 1,100°C.
[0106] The sheet thickness reduction in a temperature range of 850°C to 1,100°C can be expressed
as {(t
0 - t
1)/t
0} × 100 (%) where t
0 represents an inlet sheet thickness before the first rolling in the rolling in the
above temperature range and t
1 represents an outlet sheet thickness after the final stage rolling in the rolling
in the above temperature range.
(3) Stress After Rolling One Stage Before Final Stage of Hot Rolling and Before Final
Stage Rolling: 170 kPa or more
[0107] The stress that is loaded to the steel sheet after rolling one stage before the final
stage of hot rolling and before the final stage rolling is preferably set to 170 kPa
or more. This makes it possible to reduce the number of crystal grains having a {h110}<001>
crystal orientation in the recrystallized austenite after the rolling one stage before
the final stage. Since recrystallization is difficult to occur in the {h110}<001>
crystal orientation, recrystallization by the final stage rolling can be effectively
promoted by suppressing the formation of this crystal orientation. As a result, the
band-like structure of the hot-rolled steel sheet is improved, the periodicity of
the microstructure is reduced, and the E value increases.
[0108] In a case where the stress that is loaded to the steel sheet is less than 170 kPa,
it may be impossible to achieve a desired E value. The stress that is loaded to the
steel sheet is more preferably 190 kPa or more.
[0109] The stress that is loaded to the steel sheet can be controlled by adjusting the roll
rotation speed during tandem rolling, and can be obtained by dividing the load in
the rolling direction measured in a rolling stand by the cross-sectional area of the
passing sheet.
(4) Rolling Reduction at Final Stage of Hot Rolling: 8% or more, Hot Rolling Finishing
Temperature Tf: 900°C or Higher and Lower than 1,010°C
[0110] It is preferable that the rolling reduction at the final stage of the hot rolling
is set to 8% or more and the hot rolling finishing temperature Tf is set to 900°C
or higher. By setting the rolling reduction at the final stage of the hot rolling
to 8% or more, it is possible to promote recrystallization caused by the final stage
rolling. As a result, the band-like structure of the hot-rolled steel sheet is improved,
the periodicity of the microstructure is reduced, and the E value increases. By setting
the hot rolling finishing temperature Tf to 900°C or higher, it is possible to suppress
an excessive increase in number of ferrite nucleation sites in austenite. As a result,
the formation of ferrite in the final structure (the microstructure of the manufactured
hot-rolled steel sheet) is suppressed, and a high-strength hot-rolled steel sheet
can be obtained. In addition, by setting the hot rolling finishing temperature Tf
to lower than 1,010°C, the coarsening of the austenite grain size can be suppressed,
and a desired E value can be obtained due to the reduced periodicity of the microstructure.
(5) Stress After Final Stage Rolling of Hot Rolling and Until Steel Sheet is Cooled
to 800°C: Less than 200 kPa
[0111] Stress that is loaded to the steel sheet after the final stage rolling of the hot
rolling and until the steel sheet is cooled to 800°C is preferably set to less than
200 kPa. By setting the stress (tension) that is loaded in the rolling direction of
the steel sheet to less than 200 kPa, the recrystallization of austenite preferentially
proceeds in the rolling direction, and an increase in periodicity of the microstructure
can be suppressed. As a result, a desired E value can be obtained. The stress that
is loaded to the steel sheet is more preferably 180 kPa or less. The stress that is
loaded in the rolling direction of the steel sheet can be controlled by adjusting
the rotation speeds of the rolling stand and the coiling device, and can be obtained
by dividing the measured load in the rolling direction by the cross-sectional area
of the passing sheet.
(6) Cooling to Temperature Range of Hot Rolling Finishing Temperature Tf - 50°C or
lower Within 1 Second After Finishing of Hot Rolling, And Then Accelerated Cooling
to Temperature Range of 600°C to 730°C at Average Cooling Rate of 50 °C/s or Faster
[0112] In order to suppress the growth of austenite crystal grains refined by the hot rolling,
the steel sheet is more preferably cooled by 50°C or more within 1 second after the
finishing of the hot rolling. In order to cool the steel sheet to a temperature range
of the hot rolling finishing temperature Tf - 50°C or lower within 1 second after
the finishing of the hot rolling, cooling may be performed at a fast average cooling
rate immediately after the finishing of the hot rolling. For example, cooling water
may be sprayed to the surface of the steel sheet. By cooling the steel sheet to a
temperature range of Tf - 50°C or lower within 1 second after the finishing of the
hot rolling, it is possible to refine the crystal grain size of the surface layer
and to increase the inside bend cracking resistance of the hot-rolled steel sheet.
[0113] In addition, by performing accelerated cooling to a temperature range of 730°C or
lower at an average cooling rate of 50 °C/s or faster after the cooling, it is possible
to suppress the formation of ferrite and pearlite with a small amount of precipitation
hardening. Accordingly, the strength of the hot-rolled steel sheet is improved. The
average cooling rate mentioned here refers to a value obtained by dividing the temperature
drop width of the steel sheet from the start of the accelerated cooling (when introducing
the steel sheet into cooling equipment) to the finishing of the accelerated cooling
(when deriving the steel sheet from the cooling equipment) by the time required from
the start of the accelerated cooling to the finishing of the accelerated cooling.
[0114] The upper limit of the cooling rate is not particularly specified, but in a case
where the cooling rate is increased, the cooling equipment becomes large and the equipment
cost increases. Therefore, considering the equipment cost, the cooling rate is preferably
300 °C/s or lower. In addition, the cooling stop temperature of the accelerated cooling
may be set to 600°C or higher in order to perform slow cooling to be described later.
(7) Slow Cooling at Average Cooling Rate of Slower Than 5 °C/s Being Performed in
Temperature Range of 600°C to 730°C for 2.0 Seconds or Longer
[0115] By performing slow cooling at an average cooling rate of slower than 5 °C/s in a
temperature range of 600°C to 730°C for 2.0 seconds or longer, it is possible to sufficiently
precipitate the precipitation-hardened ferrite. This makes it possible to achieve
both the strength and ductility of the hot-rolled steel sheet.
[0116] The average cooling rate mentioned here refers to a value obtained by dividing the
temperature drop width of the steel sheet from the cooling stop temperature of the
accelerated cooling to the stop temperature of the slow cooling by the time required
from the stop of the accelerated cooling to the stop of the slow cooling.
[0117] The slow cooling time is preferably 3.0 seconds or longer. The upper limit of the
slow cooling time is determined by the equipment layout, and may be shorter than approximately
10.0 seconds. In addition, although the lower limit of the average cooling rate of
the slow cooling is not particularly set, raising the temperature without cooling
may require a large investment in equipment. Therefore, the lower limit may be set
to 0 °C/s or faster.
(8) After End of Slow Cooling, Cooling Being Performed So That Average Cooling Rate
in Temperature Range of 450°C to 600°C is 30 °C/s or Faster And Slower Than 50 °C/s
[0118] After the end of the slow cooling, it is preferable to perform cooling so that the
average cooling rate in a temperature range of 450°C to 600°C is 30 °C/s or faster
and slower than 50 °C/s. By setting the average cooling rate in the temperature range
to 30 °C/s or faster and slower than 50 °C/s, a desired CS value can be obtained.
In a case where the average cooling rate is faster than 50 °C/s, a flat lath-like
structure having low brightness is likely to be formed, and the CS value becomes less
than -8.0 × 10
5. In a case where the average cooling rate is slower than 30 °C/s, the concentration
of carbon in an untransformed part is promoted, the strength of the hard structure
increases, and the difference in strength from the soft structure increases. Therefore,
the CS value becomes more than 8.0 × 10
5.
[0119] The average cooling rate mentioned here refers to a value obtained by dividing the
temperature drop width of the steel sheet from the cooling stop temperature of the
slow cooling where the average cooling rate is slower than 5 °C/s to the cooling stop
temperature of the cooling where the average cooling rate is 30 °C/s or faster and
slower than 50 °C/s by the time required from the stop of the slow cooling where the
average cooling rate is slower than 5 °C/s to the stop of the cooling where the average
cooling rate is 30 °C/s or faster and slower than 50 °C/s.
(9) Average Cooling Rate in Temperature Range of Coiling Temperature to 450°C: 50
°C/s or Faster
[0120] In order to suppress the area ratio of pearlite and residual austenite and obtain
a desired strength and desired formability, the average cooling rate in a temperature
range of the coiling temperature to 450°C is preferably set to 50 °C/s or faster.
In such a case, the primary phase structure can be made hard.
[0121] The average cooling rate mentioned here refers to a value obtained by dividing the
temperature drop width of the steel sheet from the cooling stop temperature of the
cooling where the average cooling rate is 30 °C/s or faster and slower than 50 °C/s
to the coiling temperature by the time required from the stop of the cooling where
the average cooling rate is 30 °C/s or faster and slower than 50 °C/s to the coiling.
(10) Coiling Temperature: 350°C or Lower
[0122] The coiling temperature is set to 350°C or lower. In a case where the coiling temperature
is set to 350°C or lower, the amount of an iron carbide precipitated is reduced, and
the variation in hardness distribution in the hard phase can be reduced. As a result,
the I value can be increased and the generation of a secondary sheared surface can
be suppressed.
[Examples]
[0123] Next, the effects of one aspect of the present invention will be described in more
detail using examples. However, conditions in the examples are merely exemplary to
confirm the feasibility and the effects of the present invention, and the present
invention is not limited to these condition examples. The present invention may employ
various conditions to achieve the object of the present invention without departing
from the gist of the present invention.
[0124] Steels having a chemical composition shown in Tables 1 and 2 were melted and continuously
cast to manufacture slabs having a thickness of 240 to 300 mm. The obtained slabs
were used to obtain hot-rolled steel sheets shown in Tables 5 and 6 under the manufacturing
conditions shown in Tables 3 and 4.
[0125] The average cooling rate of slow cooling was set to slower than 5 °C/s. In addition,
since the measurement lower limit of the coiling temperature shown in Table 4 is 50°C,
the actual coiling temperatures in the examples written as 50°C are 50°C or lower.
[0126] The area ratio of the microstructure, the E value, the I value, the CS value, the
standard deviation of the Mn concentration, the average crystal grain size of the
surface layer, the tensile strength TS, and the total elongation El of each of the
obtained hot-rolled steel sheets were obtained by the above methods. The obtained
measurement results are shown in Tables 5 and 6.
[0127] The remainder in microstructure was one or two or more of bainite, martensite, and
tempered martensite.
Methods of Evaluating Properties of Hot-Rolled Steel Sheets
Tensile Properties
[0128] In a case where the tensile strength (TS) was 980 MPa or more, the total elongation
(El) was 10.0% or more, and the tensile strength (TS) × total elongation (El) was
13,000 MPa·% or more, the hot-rolled steel sheet was considered to have a high strength
and excellent ductility, and determined as acceptable. In a case where any one was
not satisfied, the hot-rolled steel sheet was not considered to have a high strength
and excellent ductility, and determined as unacceptable.
Limit Fracture Sheet Thickness Reduction Ratio
[0129] The limit fracture sheet thickness reduction ratio of the hot-rolled steel sheet
was evaluated by a tensile test.
[0130] The tensile test was performed by the same method as in the evaluation of the tensile
properties. The value of (t1 - t2) × 100/t1 was calculated, where t1 represents the
sheet thickness before the tensile test and t2 represents the minimum value of the
sheet thickness at a center portion in the width direction of the tensile test piece
after fracture, to obtain the limit fracture sheet thickness reduction ratio. In order
to obtain the limit fracture sheet thickness reduction ratio, the tensile test was
performed five times, and the average value was calculated by taking the mean of three
values, excluding the maximum limit fracture sheet thickness reduction ratio and the
minimum limit fracture sheet thickness reduction ratio.
[0131] In a case where the limit fracture sheet thickness reduction ratio was 60.0% or more,
the hot-rolled steel sheet was considered to have a high limit fracture sheet thickness
reduction ratio, and determined as acceptable. Meanwhile, in a case where the limit
fracture sheet thickness reduction ratio was less than 60.0%, the hot-rolled steel
sheet was not considered to have a high limit fracture sheet thickness reduction ratio,
and determined as unacceptable.
Shearing property (Secondary Sheared Surface Evaluation)
[0132] The shearing property of the hot-rolled steel sheet was evaluated by a punching test.
[0133] Three punched holes were produced in each example with a hole diameter of 10 mm,
a clearance of 10%, and a punching speed of 3 m/s. Next, of the punched hole, a cross
section perpendicular to the rolling direction and a cross section parallel to the
rolling direction were each embedded in a resin, and the cross-sectional profile was
photographed with a scanning electron microscope. In the obtained observation photographs,
the sheared end surfaces as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 can be observed. FIG. 1 is an
example of a sheared end surface of a hot-rolled steel sheet according to a present
invention example, and FIG. 2 is an example of a sheared end surface of a hot-rolled
steel sheet according to a comparative example. FIG. 1 shows a sheared end surface
with a shear droop, a sheared surface, a fractured surface, and a burr. FIG. 2 shows
a sheared end surface with a shear droop, a sheared surface, a fractured surface,
a sheared surface, a fractured surface, and a burr. Here, the shear droop is an R-like
smooth surface region, the sheared surface is a region of a punched end surface separated
by shear deformation, the fractured surface is a region of a punched end surface separated
by cracking occurring from the vicinity of the cutting edge, and a burr is a surface
having projections protruding from the lower surface of the hot-rolled steel sheet.
[0134] In a case where, for example, a sheared surface, a fractured surface, and a sheared
surface as shown in FIG. 2 appeared on two surfaces perpendicular to the rolling direction
and two surfaces parallel to the rolling direction in the obtained sheared end surface,
it was determined that a secondary sheared surface was formed. 4 surfaces for each
punched hole, that is, a total of 12 surfaces were observed. In a case where there
was no surface on which a secondary sheared surface appeared, the hot-rolled steel
sheet was considered to have excellent shearing property, and determined as acceptable,
and a value "Absent" was entered into the table. Meanwhile, in a case where even a
single secondary sheared surface was formed, the hot-rolled steel sheet was not considered
to have excellent shearing property, and determined as unacceptable, and a value "Present"
was entered into the table.
Inside Bend Cracking Resistance
[0135] The inside bend cracking resistance was evaluated by the following bending test.
[0136] A 100 mm × 30 mm strip-shaped test piece was cut out from a 1/2 position in the width
direction of the hot-rolled steel sheet to obtain a bending test piece. A test was
performed according to the V-block method of JIS Z 2248: 2006 (the bending angle θ
is 90°) for both bending where the bending ridge was parallel to the rolling direction
(L direction) (L-axis bending) and bending where the bending ridge was parallel to
a direction perpendicular to the rolling direction (C direction) (C-axis bending).
As a result, a minimum bend radius at which no cracking would occur was obtained,
and the inside bend cracking resistance was investigated. A value obtained by dividing
the average value of the minimum bend radii in the L axis and in the C axis by the
sheet thickness was regarded as the limit bending R/t and used as an index value of
inside bend cracking resistance. In a case where R/t was 2.5 or less, the hot-rolled
steel sheet was determined to be excellent in inside bend cracking resistance.
[0138] From Tables 5 and 6, it is found that the hot-rolled steel sheets according to the
present invention examples have excellent ductility and shearing property while having
a high strength and a high limit fracture sheet thickness reduction ratio. In addition,
it is found that among the present invention examples, the hot-rolled steel sheets
in which the average crystal grain size of the surface layer is less than 3.0 µm have
the above various properties and further have excellent inside bend cracking resistance.
[0139] On the other hand, it is found that the hot-rolled steel sheets according to the
comparative examples deteriorate in any one or more of strength, ductility, limit
fracture sheet thickness reduction ratio, and shearing property.
[Industrial Applicability]
[0140] In the aspect according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a hot-rolled
steel sheet that has a high strength, a high limit fracture sheet thickness reduction
ratio, and excellent ductility and shearing property. In addition, in the preferable
aspect according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a hot-rolled steel
sheet that has the above various properties and, furthermore, suppresses the occurrence
of inside bend cracking, that is, has excellent inside bend cracking resistance.
[0141] The hot-rolled steel sheet according to the present invention is suitable as an industrial
material used for vehicle members, mechanical structural members, and building members.