Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hot-rolled steel sheet used for frames, structures,
and the like, and more particularly, to a hot-rolled steel sheet that secures high
hardness, strength, and excellent processing characteristics, and a method for manufacturing
the same.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, a wear-resistant hot-rolled steel sheet having high hardness has
mainly utilized a martensitic microstructure to have high strength and hardness, and
this high hardness leads to high wear resistance, so that it has been used for parts
requiring wear resistance. However, due to poor bendability according to high strength,
processing is limited, which has a disadvantage in that a roll forming method is utilized
or only minimal processing is applied for use.
[0003] This acts as a similar limiting factor in high-strength hot-rolled steel sheets that
utilize martensite as a primary phase, and various technologies have been proposed
to overcome this.
[0004] Patent Document 1 suggests that excellent bendability can be secured in a 1 GPa-grade
high-strength martensitic hot-rolled steel sheet when a hard phase of martensite and
tempered martensite in a microstructure at positions of 200 µm and 100 µm from the
surface is reduced compared to a central portion. In addition, Patent Document 2 suggests
improving low-temperature impact toughness through microstructure refinement in a
1.2 GPa-grade martensitic steel, obtaining excellent flange formability by controlling
precipitates, and obtaining high bendability by controlling surface roughness.
[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to secure sufficient strength, the
change between the central portion and the surface layer of the steel sheet is not
large, and there is no control over the microstructure and properties of the extreme
surface layer of 100 µm or less, so the effect of improving bendability may be considered
to be small. Meanwhile, Patent Document 2 has a limitation in improving bendability
compared to strength with only surface roughness control, a certain level of surface
roughness can be conventionally obtained only by passing through a pickling process,
and there is a disadvantage in that manufacturing conditions must be strictly limited
for precipitate control.
[0006] In addition, alloying elements such as Si, Mn, Mo, Cr, Cu, and Ni, which are mainly
used to manufacture high-hardness steels as described above, are effective in improving
hardness and formability, but when a large amount of alloying elements is added to
improve properties, segregation of the alloying elements and non-uniformity of the
microstructure are caused, resulting in inferior bending workability. In particular,
in a steel with high hardenability, the change in microstructure during cooling is
sensitive, so a low-temperature transformation structure is formed non-uniformly,
which makes it difficult to obtain higher bending workability.
(Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2023-0085173
(Patent Document 2) International Patent Laid-Open Publication No. WO 2020-026593
Disclosure of Invention
Technical Problem
[0007] An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a hot-rolled steel sheet excellent
in bending workability, strength, and hardness, and a method for manufacturing the
same.
[0008] The objects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned matters.
Additional objects of the present disclosure are described in the overall content
of the specification, and a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present
disclosure pertains will have no difficulty in understanding the additional objects
of the present disclosure from the contents described in the specification of the
present disclosure.
Solution to Problem
[0009] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a hot-rolled steel sheet comprising,
by weight %, C: 0.17 to 0.26%, Si: 0.01 to 0.5%, Mn: 0.4 to 2.2%, Cr: 0.005 to 0.6%,
Mo: 0.005 to 0.3%, Nb: 0.001 to 0.01%, Ti: 0.005 to 0.08%, V: 0.005 to 0.05%, Al:
0.01 to 0.5%, P: 0.003 to 0.05%, S: 0.001 to 0.01%, N: 0.001 to 0.01%, B: 0.0005 to
0.003%, with the remainder being Fe and other unavoidable impurities, and satisfying
the following Formula 1,
wherein a surface layer microstructure up to 10 µm from a surface comprises, by area
fraction, 5 to 40% of ferrite and 2 to 10% of twinned martensite, and
a central portion microstructure comprises, by area fraction, 80% or more (including
100%) of martensite and auto-tempered martensite, and 20% or less (including 0%) of
one or more of pearlite and bainite.

[0010] In Formula 1, [C], [Si], [Mn], [Cr], and [Mo] denote the content (by weight %) of
the corresponding alloying elements, and a value of 0 is substituted if these elements
are not intentionally added.
[0011] The central portion microstructure may have a prior austenite aspect ratio of 1 to
10.
[0012] The hot-rolled steel sheet may have a central portion cross-sectional hardness of
400 HV or more and a width-direction tensile strength of 1300 MPa or more.
[0013] The hot-rolled steel sheet may have a bendability (R/t) of 4.0 or less.
[0014] In the hot-rolled steel sheet, a difference between original bendability and bendability
may be greater than 0.5.
[0015] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a hot-rolled
steel sheet, the method comprising: heating a steel slab comprising, by weight %,
C: 0.17 to 0.26%, Si: 0.01 to 0.5%, Mn: 0.4 to 2.2%, Cr: 0.005 to 0.6%, Mo: 0.005
to 0.3%, Nb: 0.001 to 0.01%, Ti: 0.005 to 0.08%, V: 0.005 to 0.05%, Al: 0.01 to 0.5%,
P: 0.003 to 0.05%, S: 0.001 to 0.01%, N: 0.001 to 0.01%, B: 0.0005 to 0.003%, with
the remainder being Fe and other unavoidable impurities, and satisfying the following
Formula 1, to a temperature range of 1150 to 1350°C;
performing rough rolling on the heated steel slab at a roughing delivery temperature
(RDT) of the following Formula 2 to obtain a bar plate;
performing finish rolling on the bar plate at a finishing delivery temperature (FDT)
of the following Formula 3 to obtain a hot-rolled steel sheet;
performing first cooling on the hot-rolled steel sheet at a first average cooling
rate of 60 to 90°C/sec to a first cooling stop temperature of 150 to 350°C;
performing second cooling after the first cooling at a second average cooling rate
of 1 to 50°C/sec to a coiling temperature (CT) of 50 to 200°C; and
coiling after the second cooling.

[0016] In Formula 1, [C], [Si], [Mn], [Cr], and [Mo] denote the content (by weight %) of
the corresponding alloying elements, and a value of 0 is substituted if these elements
are not intentionally added.

[0017] In Formula 2, [Al], [Cr], [Mn], [Mo], [Si], and [C] denote the content (by weight
%) of the corresponding alloying elements, a value of 0 is substituted if these elements
are not intentionally added, and the thickness of the bar plate is in mm.

[0018] The method may further comprise, after obtaining the bar plate, descaling and surface-cooling
the entire width of the bar plate with a water pressure of 150 bar or more.
[0019] The thickness of the bar may satisfy the following Formula 4.
bar plate thickness (mm) ≥ hot-rolled steel sheet thickness (mm) × 10

[0020] The rough rolling may be performed in a temperature range of 900 to 1100°C.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0021] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a hot-rolled
steel sheet excellent in bendability and hardness, and a method for manufacturing
the same.
[0022] The various and beneficial advantages and effects of the present disclosure are not
limited to the above-described contents, and may be more easily understood in the
course of describing specific embodiments of the present disclosure.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0023] FIG. 1 is a graph showing the relationship between the central portion tensile strength
(TS) and the bendability (R/t) of inventive examples and comparative examples in an
embodiment.
Best Mode for the Invention
[0024] The terms used in this specification are for the purpose of describing the present
disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In addition, the
singular forms used in this specification include the plural forms unless the relevant
definition clearly indicates the contrary.
[0025] The meaning of "comprising" used in the specification specifies a configuration and
does not exclude the presence or addition of other configurations.
[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all terms, including technical and scientific terms, used
in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary
skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Pre-defined terms are to be interpreted
as having a meaning consistent with the related technical literature and the presently
disclosed content.
[0027] The inventors of the present disclosure have conducted in-depth research on the changes
in the cross-sectional hardness of the central portion, bendability, and original
bendability after milling the surface according to the characteristics of the composition,
manufacturing process, and microstructure for different steels with various compositions
and microstructures in order to solve the problems of the prior art. As a result,
it was confirmed that the detailed characteristics of each configuration of the surface
layer (surface portion) and the core (central portion) and the original bendability
are correlated with the cross-sectional hardness of the central portion and the bending
characteristics, and as a result of in-depth research on a plan to implement this,
the present disclosure was derived by exploring the steel composition and microstructure
of the hot-rolled steel sheet and a plan to manufacture the same.
[0028] First, an example of the hot-rolled steel sheet of the present disclosure will be
described in detail. Hereinafter, the alloy composition and range of the hot-rolled
steel sheet will be described. The content of the alloy composition described below
means % by weight unless otherwise specified.
Carbon (C): 0.17 to 0.26%
[0029] C is the most economical and effective element for strengthening steel, and has a
great influence on strength and hardness. As its added amount increases, the hardenability
increases, making it easier to form hard phases such as bainite and martensite in
the microstructure, thereby increasing the tensile strength. In addition, because
C has a property of accumulating in austenite rather than ferrite, ferrite is formed
in the surface layer, and when C accumulated in austenite transforms into martensite,
it provides a mechanism for changing to twinned martensite. However, when the content
of C exceeds 0.26%, the hardness of martensite increases excessively, which causes
a problem of deterioration of bending workability with an excessive increase in strength,
and it may be difficult to secure sufficient weldability. On the other hand, when
the content of C is less than 0.17%, it is difficult to obtain a sufficient strengthening
effect. Therefore, it is preferable that the content of C is in the range of 0.17
to 0.26%. The lower limit of the C content is more preferably 0.175%, still more preferably
0.18%, and most preferably 0.185%. The upper limit of the C content is more preferably
0.25%, still more preferably 0.24%, and most preferably 0.23%.
Silicon (Si): 0.01 to 0.5%
[0030] Si is an element that deoxidizes molten steel, exhibits a solid-solution strengthening
effect, and is advantageous for improving formability by delaying the formation of
coarse carbides. When the content of Si is less than 0.01%, the solid-solution strengthening
effect and the formability improving effect cannot be sufficiently obtained. On the
other hand, when the content of Si exceeds 0.5%, it is not easy to remove red scale
formed on the surface of the steel sheet during hot rolling, which may result in very
poor surface quality of the steel sheet. In addition, there is a problem that ductility
and weldability are also deteriorated. Therefore, it is preferable that the content
of Si is in the range of 0.01 to 0.5%. The lower limit of the Si content is more preferably
0.012%, still more preferably 0.015%, and most preferably 0.02%. The upper limit of
the Si content is more preferably 0.4%, still more preferably 0.35%, and most preferably
0.3%.
Manganese (Mn): 0.4 to 2.2%
[0031] Mn is an element that is effective in solid-solution strengthening steel, similar
to Si, and increases the hardenability of the steel to facilitate the formation of
bainite and martensite, which are hard phases, during cooling after hot rolling. In
addition, when ferrite is formed in the surface layer, it is concentrated in austenite,
and when it subsequently transforms into martensite, it provides a mechanism for changing
to twinned martensite. When the content of Mn is less than 0.4%, the effects of solid-solution
strengthening and formation of bainite and martensite cannot be sufficiently obtained.
On the other hand, when the content of Mn exceeds 2.2%, grain boundaries become brittle,
causing problems such as low-temperature cracking. In addition, it may be difficult
to secure sufficient formability due to an excessive increase in strength, a segregated
portion is largely developed at the center of the thickness during slab casting in
a continuous casting process, and a non-uniform microstructure is formed in the thickness
direction during cooling after hot rolling, resulting in inferior bending workability.
In particular, it is difficult to uniformly manufacture the microstructure during
cooling even in the overall length and overall width of the hot-rolled steel sheet.
Therefore, it is preferable that the content of Mn is in the range of 0.4 to 2.2%.
The lower limit of the Mn content is more preferably 0.45%, still more preferably
0.5%, and most preferably 0.55%. The upper limit of the Mn content is more preferably
2.1%, still more preferably 2.05%, and most preferably 2.0%.
Chromium (Cr): 0.005 to 0.6%
[0032] Cr serves to solid-solution strengthen steel and delay ferrite phase transformation
during cooling to help form martensite and bainite. When the content of Cr is less
than 0.005%, the effects of solid-solution strengthening and formation of martensite
and bainite cannot be sufficiently obtained. On the other hand, when the content of
Cr exceeds 0.6%, a segregated portion at the center of the thickness is largely developed,
similar to Mn, and the microstructure in the thickness direction becomes non-uniform,
thereby deteriorating bending workability. Therefore, it is preferable that the content
of Cr is in the range of 0.005 to 0.6%. The lower limit of the Cr content is more
preferably 0.007%, still more preferably 0.008%, and most preferably 0.01%. The upper
limit of the Cr content is more preferably 0.5%, still more preferably 0.45%, and
most preferably 0.4%.
Molybdenum (Mo): 0.005 to 0.3%
[0033] Mo increases the hardenability of steel to facilitate the formation of martensite
and bainite. When the content of Mo is less than 0.005%, the above-described effects
cannot be sufficiently obtained. On the other hand, when the content of Mo exceeds
0.3%, martensite is formed in the surface layer due to an excessive increase in hardenability,
so that bending workability is rapidly deteriorated, which is economically disadvantageous,
and it may be difficult to secure sufficient weldability. In addition, a ferrite structure
cannot be formed on the surface layer due to excessively high hardenability. Therefore,
it is preferable that the content of Mo is in the range of 0.005 to 0.3%. The lower
limit of the Mo content is more preferably 0.01%, still more preferably 0.02%, and
most preferably 0.03%. The upper limit of the Mo content is more preferably 0.25%,
still more preferably 0.2%, and most preferably 0.15%.
Niobium (Nb): 0.001 to 0.01%
[0034] Nb is a representative precipitation-strengthening element along with Ti and V, and
is precipitated as a precipitate during hot rolling to exhibit a grain refinement
effect due to recrystallization delay, thereby being effective in improving the strength
and impact toughness of steel. When the content of Nb is less than 0.001%, the above-described
effects cannot be sufficiently obtained. On the other hand, when the content of Nb
exceeds 0.01%, coarse composite precipitates are formed during hot rolling, which
deteriorates bending workability. In addition, it has the effect of excessively increasing
the aspect ratio of the parent austenite before the martensitic transformation. Therefore,
it is preferable that the content of Nb is in the range of 0.001 to 0.01%.
Titanium (Ti): 0.005 to 0.08%
[0035] Ti is a representative precipitation-strengthening element along with Nb and V, and
forms coarse TiN through strong affinity with nitrogen. The TiN has an effect of suppressing
the growth of crystal grains during a heating process for hot rolling. In addition,
the remaining Ti after reacting with nitrogen is dissolved in the steel and combined
with carbon to form TiC precipitates, which is a useful component for improving the
strength of the steel. When the content of Ti is less than 0.005%, the effects of
suppressing crystal grain growth and improving strength cannot be sufficiently obtained.
On the other hand, when the content of Ti exceeds 0.08%, coarse TiN is generated,
and precipitates are coarsened, which deteriorates bending workability during forming.
Therefore, it is preferable that the content of Ti is in the range of 0.005 to 0.08%.
The lower limit of the Ti content is more preferably 0.01%, still more preferably
0.015%, and most preferably 0.02%. The upper limit of the Ti content is more preferably
0.07%, still more preferably 0.06%, and most preferably 0.045%.
Vanadium (V): 0.005 to 0.05%
[0036] V is a representative precipitation-strengthening element along with Nb and Ti, and
hardly precipitates during hot rolling, but forms precipitates after high-temperature
coiling, cooling, or tempering to improve the strength of steel. Therefore, it is
effective in improving additional strength without increasing deformation resistance
and rolling load due to recrystallization delay during hot rolling. When the content
of V is less than 0.005%, the effect of improving strength cannot be sufficiently
obtained. On the other hand, when the content of V exceeds 0.05%, coarse precipitates
are formed to deteriorate bending workability, and like Nb, the aspect ratio of the
parent austenite cannot be kept low, which is economically disadvantageous. Therefore,
it is preferable that the content of V is in the range of 0.005 to 0.05%. The lower
limit of the V content is more preferably 0.006%, still more preferably 0.008%, and
most preferably 0.01%. The upper limit of the V content is more preferably 0.04%,
still more preferably 0.03%, and most preferably 0.02%.
Aluminum (Al): 0.01 to 0.5%
[0037] Al is an element added mainly for deoxidation. In this case, Al means Sol-Al. When
the content of Al is less than 0.01%, a sufficient deoxidation effect cannot be obtained.
On the other hand, when the content of Al exceeds 0.5%, excessive AlN is formed by
combining with nitrogen, so that corner cracks are likely to occur in a slab during
continuous casting, and defects due to the formation of inclusions are likely to occur.
Therefore, it is preferable that the content of Al is in the range of 0.01 to 0.5%.
The lower limit of the Al content is more preferably 0.015%, and still more preferably
0.02%. The upper limit of the Al content is more preferably 0.1%, still more preferably
0.08%, and most preferably 0.05%.
Phosphorus (P): 0.003 to 0.05%
[0038] P has both solid-solution strengthening and ferrite transformation promoting effects,
similar to Si. However, in order to control the content of P to less than 0.003%,
a large amount of manufacturing cost is required, which is economically disadvantageous
and insufficient to obtain strength. On the other hand, when the content of P exceeds
0.05%, embrittlement due to grain boundary segregation may occur, fine cracks are
likely to occur during bending, and ductility and impact resistance are greatly deteriorated.
Therefore, it is preferable that P is in the range of 0.003 to 0.05%. The lower limit
of the P content is more preferably 0.005%, still more preferably 0.007%, and most
preferably 0.01%. The upper limit of the P content is more preferably 0.03%.
Sulfur (S): 0.001 to 0.01%
[0039] S is an impurity present in steel, and when its content exceeds 0.01%, it combines
with Mn and the like to form non-metallic inclusions, which causes a problem in that
fine cracks are likely to occur during bending of the steel and the impact resistance
is greatly reduced. In the present disclosure, the lower limit of the S content is
not particularly limited, but in order to control it to less than 0.001%, a long time
is required during steelmaking operation, resulting in a decrease in productivity.
Therefore, considering this, the lower limit of the S content may be limited to 0.001%.
Therefore, it is preferable that the content of S is in the range of 0.001 to 0.01%.
The lower limit of the S content is more preferably 0.002%. The upper limit of the
S content is more preferably 0.008%, still more preferably 0.006%, and most preferably
0.005%.
Nitrogen (N): 0.001 to 0.01%
[0040] N is a representative solid-solution strengthening element along with C, and forms
coarse precipitates along with Ti, Al, and the like. When the content of N is less
than 0.001%, it is difficult to sufficiently obtain the effects of solid-solution
strengthening and precipitate formation, and in order to control the content of N
to less than 0.001%, a long time is required during steelmaking operation, resulting
in a decrease in productivity. On the other hand, in general, the solid-solution strengthening
effect of N is superior to that of carbon, but when the content of N exceeds 0.01%,
there is a problem that toughness is greatly reduced. Therefore, it is preferable
that the content of N is in the range of 0.001 to 0.01%. The lower limit of the N
content is more preferably 0.002%, and still more preferably 0.003%. The upper limit
of the N content is more preferably 0.008%, still more preferably 0.007%, and most
preferably 0.006%.
Boron (B): 0.0005 to 0.003%
[0041] When B exists in a solid solution state in steel, it is mainly segregated at grain
boundaries and stabilizes the grain boundaries to improve the brittleness of the steel,
and stabilizes solute N to suppress the formation of coarse AlN nitrides. In addition,
it is effective in forming bainite and martensite, which are hard phases, by delaying
the ferrite phase transformation. When the content of B is less than 0.0005%, the
effects of improving brittleness, suppressing the formation of coarse AlN nitrides,
and forming bainite and martensite cannot be sufficiently obtained. On the other hand,
when the content of B exceeds 0.003%, the above-described effects no longer increase,
and there is a disadvantage in that ductility is reduced and thus formability is deteriorated.
Therefore, it is preferable that the content of B is in the range of 0.0005 to 0.003%.
The lower limit of the B content is more preferably 0.0006%, still more preferably
0.0008%, and most preferably 0.001%. The upper limit of the B content is more preferably
0.0025%, and still more preferably 0.002%.
[0042] The remaining component is iron (Fe), and may include some unintentional and unavoidable
impurities mixed in during the manufacturing process. Since these impurities can be
known to any person skilled in the art of a conventional manufacturing process, all
of their contents are not particularly mentioned in this specification.
[0043] The hot-rolled steel sheet preferably satisfies the following Formula 1.

[0044] In Formula 1, [C], [Si], [Mn], [Cr], and [Mo] denote the content (by weight %) of
the corresponding alloying elements, and a value of 0 is substituted if these elements
are not intentionally added.
[0045] Formula 1 is a factorization of a combination of alloying elements that can maintain
bainite, which is a hard phase, and lath martensite in the center of the steel microstructure
of the present disclosure, and ferrite, twinned martensite, and bainite in the surface
layer at an appropriate level. As the "T" value of Formula 1 below increases, the
formation of bainite and lath martensite, which are hard phases, increases, and the
hardness value of each hard phase also increases. Therefore, the larger this value
is, the more advantageous it is for securing strength and hardness, but if it is excessive,
ferrite and twinned martensite cannot be formed on the surface layer, which deteriorates
the bending workability of the steel and increases the material variation in the overall
length and overall width of the hot-rolled steel sheet. To this end, it is preferable
to manage the value of Formula 1 from 30 to 100.
[0046] The surface layer microstructure up to 10 µm from the surface of the hot-rolled steel
sheet may include, by area fraction, 5 to 40% of ferrite and 2 to 10% of twinned martensite.
The twinned martensite is classified as martensite in a broad category, but is distinguished
from lath martensite, which has a plate-like substructure with a width of several
tens of nm, and auto-tempered martensite, which includes epsilon carbide as fine carbides,
and is a martensite having a twin substructure with a fine thickness (several tens
of nm) in a crystallographically twin relationship. Since the phase of the twinned
martensite is difficult to distinguish on an FE-SEM image, it can be read using a
high-resolution transmission electron microscope (TEM). Meanwhile, the TEM measurement
can be evaluated by collecting a specimen based on a cross-section parallel to the
rolling direction at a position of 10 µm from the surface of the hot-rolled steel
sheet.
[0047] When the ferrite in the surface layer is too small, the surface layer, which is mostly
composed of a hard phase, has a problem in that surface irregularities are easily
formed due to insufficient deformation resistance during bending, eventually leading
to fracture. On the other hand, when there is too much ferrite, the deformation that
should be dispersed over the entire thickness is concentrated only on the limited
surface layer, so that surface irregularities can be formed despite a large bending
radius.
[0048] The twinned martensite in the surface layer serves to buffer a rapid change in strength
between the ferrite in the surface layer and the martensite in the deep layer, and
serves to prevent excessive concentration of deformation only in the surface layer.
Therefore, an effective effect of improving bendability can be obtained through an
appropriate ratio of the ferrite and the twinned martensite, and it is possible to
prevent excessive concentration of deformation and secure appropriate workability
by including 2% or more of twinned martensite formed by the influence of carbon and
hardenability elements concentrated in not only the ferrite of the surface layer but
also untransformed austenite. However, when there is too much twinned martensite in
the surface layer, there is a problem in that it becomes vulnerable to deformation
of the surface, so that cracks are easily generated.
[0049] Meanwhile, the remainder of the surface layer is preferably a hard structure. Specifically,
it may be bainite, tempered bainite, martensite, tempered martensite, or the like.
[0050] The central portion microstructure of the hot-rolled steel sheet has martensite as
a primary phase, and carbides such as tempered martensite (auto-tempered martensite
in which epsilon carbide is observed) due to a self-tempering effect may be observed
depending on the control of the coiling temperature. Specifically, it may include,
by area fraction, 80% or more (including 100%) of martensite and auto-tempered martensite,
and 20% or less (including 0%) of one or more of pearlite and bainite. Typically,
the central portion microstructure targets a point at 1/4 of the thickness of the
steel sheet.
[0051] By sufficiently securing the martensite and auto-tempered martensite, excellent strength
and hardness can be secured.
[0052] In the hot-rolled steel sheet, prior austenite elongated in the rolling direction
can be observed. This can be observed through an SEM. At this time, the aspect ratio
of the prior austenite may be 1 to 10. It can be confirmed that the effect of improving
bending workability is exhibited when the aspect ratio is in the range of 1 to 10.
This is because the bending line during bending is parallel to the rolling direction,
so the deformation is a form of elongation perpendicular to the rolling direction.
At this time, it can be determined that the microstructure elongated in the rolling
direction has a very small grain size when viewed perpendicular to the rolling direction,
resulting in a decrease in deformation resistance.
[0053] The hot-rolled steel sheet may have a central portion cross-sectional hardness of
400 HV or more and a width-direction tensile strength of 1300 MPa or more.
[0054] In addition, since the bendability (R/t) is 4 or less and the difference between
the original bendability (r/t) and the bendability is 0.5 or more, it is possible
to have excellent strength and hardness, and at the same time, to have an effect of
improving bendability, particularly, the bendability of the surface. Meanwhile, it
is preferable that the original bendability (r/t) is 6.0 or less.
[0055] The bendability (R/t) evaluation is, for example, performed by a 90-degree bending
process in which a die having a 90-degree bending angle and a specific V-shaped bending
radius is placed at the bottom and pressed with a die corresponding thereto at the
top. It is defined as the ratio of the bending radius (R) at which surface irregularities
do not occur during processing to the thickness of the steel sheet (t), and the original
bendability is measured by the same method after milling the surface by 0.1 to 0.5
mm.
[0056] Next, an embodiment of a method for manufacturing a hot-rolled steel sheet of the
present disclosure will be described in detail.
[0057] First, the manufacturing method may include heating, hot rolling, cooling, and coiling
a steel slab satisfying the above-described alloy composition and Formula 1.
Steel Slab Heating
[0058] A steel slab satisfying the above-described alloy composition and Formula 1 is heated
to a temperature range of 1150 to 1350°C. When the steel slab heating temperature
is less than 1150°C, precipitates are not sufficiently redissolved, so that the formation
of precipitates in a process after hot rolling is reduced, coarse TiN remains, and
it is difficult to uniformly control the temperature of the steel sheet during hot
rolling because the slab is not sufficiently soaked. On the other hand, when the slab
heating temperature exceeds 1350°C, the strength is lowered by abnormal grain growth
of austenite crystal grains. Therefore, it is preferable that the slab heating temperature
is in the range of 1150 to 1350°C. The lower limit of the slab heating temperature
is more preferably 1155°C, and still more preferably 1160°C. The upper limit of the
slab heating temperature is more preferably 1340°C, still more preferably 1330°C,
and most preferably 1320°C.
Hot Rolling
[0059] The heated steel slab is subjected to rough rolling at a roughing delivery temperature
(RDT) of the following Formula 2 to obtain a bar plate. The roughing delivery temperature
(RDT) is preferably performed on the basis of t/2 (t: thickness of the steel material).
At this time, the thickness of the steel material is preferably the thickness of the
bar plate. The rough rolling may be performed in a temperature range of 900 to 1100°C.

[0060] In Formula 1, [Al], [Cr], [Mn], [Mo], [Si], and [C] denote the content (by weight
%) of the corresponding alloying elements, a value of 0 is substituted if these elements
are not intentionally added, and the thickness of the bar plate is in mm.
[0061] A hot-rolled steel sheet is obtained by performing finish rolling on the bar plate
at a finishing delivery temperature (FDT) of the following Formula 3. The finishing
delivery temperature (FDT) is preferably performed on the basis of t/2 (t: thickness
of the steel material). At this time, the thickness of the steel material is preferably
the thickness of the hot-rolled steel sheet.

[0062] In order to improve the bending workability with respect to hardness, a difference
in microstructure and hardness between the surface layer and the central portion is
essential, and it is preferable that the degree of elongation of the prior austenite
of the central portion martensite is limited to satisfy the characteristics of the
above-described microstructure. To this end, the temperatures RDT and FDT at the end
of the rough rolling and finish rolling have different temperature limits according
to Formulas 2 and 3, which are composed of the steel composition and the thickness
of the bar plate. When the RDT is higher than the formula calculated by Formula 2,
the microstructure of the surface layer and the central portion cannot be induced
to a desired configuration, resulting in a conventional martensitic high-strength
steel, which may deteriorate the bending workability. When the FDT is lower than the
formula calculated by Formula 3, the aspect ratio of the central portion structure
does not achieve a desired value, which may also adversely affect the bending workability.
[0063] After obtaining the bar plate, descaling and surface cooling of the entire width
of the bar plate may be further performed with a water pressure of 150 bar or more.
By performing the descaling, the effect of quenching the surface can be added, and
additional surface cooling can facilitate the formation of a soft structure in the
surface layer.
[0064] The thickness of the bar plate preferably satisfies the following Formula 4. It is
necessary that the surface layer portion cools faster than the central portion during
rolling. At this time, if the thickness of the bar plate is too thin, heat conduction
to the central portion occurs rapidly, so that a temperature difference between the
surface layer portion and the central portion cannot occur. Therefore, it is preferable
to satisfy the condition of Formula 4.
bar plate thickness (mm) ≥ hot-rolled steel sheet thickness (mm) × 10

Cooling
[0065] After the hot-rolled steel sheet is manufactured, the hot-rolled steel sheet is first-cooled
at a first average cooling rate of 60 to 90°C/sec to a first cooling stop temperature
of 150 to 350°C.
[0066] After the first cooling above, the hot-rolled steel sheet is second-cooled to a coiling
temperature (CT) of 50 to 200°C at a second average cooling rate of 1 to 50°C/sec.
[0067] The first cooling is performed at an average cooling rate of 50 to 100°C/sec to a
temperature range of 150 to 350°C. This is to form a sufficient balance of central
portion martensite and surface layer ferrite and twinned martensite. At this time,
it is preferable to avoid an excessively high cooling rate because it may deteriorate
the coil shape.
[0068] The first-cooled steel sheet is subjected to second cooling at an average cooling
rate of 1 to 40°C/sec to a temperature in the range of 50 to 200°C. At this time,
the cooling rate is preferably 1°C/sec or more in order to form the intended microstructure,
and since excessive high-speed cooling may deteriorate the shape quality of the sheet
and has no further advantages, the cooling rate is preferably in the above range.
On the other hand, it is advantageous to switch to low-speed cooling in terms of productivity,
so it is preferable to introduce low-speed cooling as much as possible.
Coiling
[0069] After the second cooling, coiling is performed in the range of 50 to 200°C. The coiling
is for obtaining an auto-tempering effect, and when the time for staying at a temperature
at which carbides can be formed, which is generally equal to or lower than the temperature
at which the martensitic transformation starts, is long, a microstructure including
epsilon carbide, which is called a transition carbide, can be formed without a separate
heat treatment process of heating. A method of implementing this in a hot rolling
process utilizes a phenomenon in which the time for cooling the coil is lengthened
to 1 hour or more when coiling is performed in a specific temperature range higher
than room temperature. To this end, in the present disclosure, the coiling is preferably
performed at 50°C or higher and 200°C or lower. At a too low temperature, an auto-tempering
effect cannot be obtained, and when the coiling temperature is too high, the auto-tempering
effect is excessive, so that strength and bendability may be deteriorated.
Pickling and Oiling
[0070] After the coiling, the method may further include pickling and oiling the coiled
hot-rolled steel sheet. In the present disclosure, the pickling and oiling process
is not particularly limited, and any method commonly used in the art may be used.
Mode for the Invention
[0071] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. It is a matter
of course that the following embodiments can be variously modified by a person of
ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains, as long as they
do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. The following embodiments
are for understanding the present disclosure, and the scope of rights of the present
disclosure should not be limited to the following embodiments, but should be defined
by the claims to be described later as well as their equivalents.
(Example)
[0072] Steel slabs having the compositions shown in Table 1 below (unit: wt%, the remainder
being Fe and unavoidable impurities) were prepared. In Table 1 below, T was calculated
by Formula 1 below.

[0073] In Formula 1, [C], [Si], [Mn], [Cr], and [Mo] denote the content (by weight %) of
the corresponding alloying elements, and a value of 0 is substituted if these elements
are not intentionally added.
[Table 1]
| Classi ficati on |
C |
Si |
Mn |
Cr |
Mo |
Nb |
Ti |
v |
Al |
P |
S |
N |
B |
T |
| steel type 1 |
0.2 1 |
0. 1 |
1.2 |
0.3 |
0.0 1 |
0.0 01 |
0.0 2 |
0.0 1 |
0.0 3 |
0.0 05 |
0.0 02 |
0.0 04 |
0.00 15 |
50 |
| steel type 2 |
0.1 8 |
0. 2 |
1.1 |
0.4 |
0.0 1 |
0.0 03 |
0.0 2 |
0.0 2 |
0.0 3 |
0.0 1 |
0.0 02 |
0.0 04 |
0.00 2 |
52 |
| steel type 3 |
0.2 2 |
0. 05 |
0.8 |
0.4 |
0.2 |
0.0 05 |
0.0 2 |
0.0 2 |
0.0 3 |
0.0 1 |
0.0 02 |
0.0 05 |
0.00 2 |
77 |
| steel type 4 |
0.2 3 |
0. 1 |
1 |
0.5 |
0.1 |
0.0 07 |
0.0 4 |
0.0 1 |
0.0 3 |
0.0 1 |
0.0 05 |
0.0 06 |
0.00 2 |
82 |
| steel type 5 |
0.2 |
0. 02 |
0.8 |
0.3 |
0.0 2 |
0.0 07 |
0.0 3 |
0.0 2 |
0.0 2 |
0.0 2 |
0.0 03 |
0.0 04 |
0.00 2 |
35 |
| steel type 6 |
0.2 5 |
0. 01 |
0.7 |
0.3 |
0.0 5 |
0.0 07 |
0.0 3 |
0.0 1 |
0.0 2 |
0.0 05 |
0.0 03 |
0.0 03 |
0.00 2 |
39 |
| steel type 7 |
0.1 9 |
0. 2 |
1.5 |
0.2 |
0.1 |
0.0 05 |
0.0 2 |
0.0 1 |
0.0 2 |
0.0 1 |
0.0 03 |
0.0 04 |
0.00 2 |
75 |
| steel type 8 |
0.2 3 |
0. 2 |
1.5 |
0.2 |
0.1 |
0.0 05 |
0.0 3 |
0.0 1 |
0.0 4 |
0.0 15 |
0.0 05 |
0.0 03 |
0.00 3 |
83 |
| steel type 9 |
0.1 8 |
0. 02 |
2.3 |
0.6 5 |
0.3 5 |
0.0 05 |
0.0 4 |
0.0 1 |
0.0 3 |
0.0 15 |
0.0 05 |
0.0 06 |
0.00 2 |
307 |
| steel type 10 |
0.1 7 |
0. 05 |
0.9 |
0.0 05 |
0.0 5 |
0.0 1 |
0.0 3 |
0.0 1 |
0.0 4 |
0.0 1 |
0.0 04 |
0.0 06 |
0.00 1 |
23 |
| steel type 11 |
0.2 1 |
0. 05 |
1.2 |
0.1 |
0.5 |
0.0 1 |
0.0 25 |
0.0 1 |
0.0 4 |
0.0 15 |
0.0 03 |
0.0 04 |
0.00 25 |
115 |
| steel type 12 |
0.2 2 |
0. 1 |
1.1 |
0.3 |
0.1 |
0.0 7 |
0.0 7 |
0.0 1 |
0.0 3 |
0.0 05 |
0.0 02 |
0.0 04 |
0.00 15 |
68 |
| steel type 13 |
0.2 |
0. 02 |
1.7 |
0.4 |
0.0 2 |
0.0 05 |
0.0 2 |
0.0 2 |
0.0 4 |
0.0 15 |
0.0 02 |
0.0 04 |
0.00 1 |
75 |
[0074] The steel slabs were subjected to steel slab heating, rough rolling, finish rolling,
first cooling, second cooling, and coiling under the conditions of Table 2 below.
In Table 2 below, RDT is the rough rolling finishing temperature, FDT is the finish
rolling finishing temperature, and is at the t/2 (t: thickness of the steel material)
point. CT is the coiling temperature. It was confirmed whether these conform to Formulas
2 and 3 below. The thickness of the manufactured hot-rolled steel sheet is 3 mm.

[0075] In Formula 2, [Al], [Cr], [Mn], [Mo], [Si], and [C] denote the content (by weight
%) of the corresponding alloying elements, a value of 0 is substituted if these elements
are not intentionally added, and the thickness of the bar plate is in mm.
[Table 2]
| Classific ation |
steel type |
Slab heat ing temp erat ure |
RDT (°C) |
FDT (°C) |
Bar thick ness (mm) |
FT (°C ) |
first coolin g rate (°C/s) |
first coolin g stop temper ature (°C) |
secon d cooli ng rate (°C/s ) |
CT (°C) |
| Inventive Example 1 |
steel type 1 |
1242 |
1014 |
843 |
34 |
830 |
63 |
228 |
21 |
80 |
| Inventive Example 2 |
steel type 2 |
1237 |
1026 |
856 |
33 |
842 |
82 |
227 |
23 |
126 |
| Inventive Example 3 |
steel type 3 |
1241 |
1026 |
851 |
37 |
839 |
72 |
222 |
29 |
88 |
| Inventive Example 4 |
steel type 4 |
1236 |
1015 |
844 |
34 |
830 |
64 |
225 |
19 |
133 |
| Inventive Example 5 |
steel type 5 |
1248 |
1019 |
846 |
35 |
838 |
68 |
226 |
16 |
67 |
| Inventive Example 6 |
steel type 6 |
1221 |
1016 |
844 |
35 |
828 |
81 |
237 |
25 |
104 |
| Comparati ve Example 1 |
steel type 7 |
1235 |
1023 |
849 |
33 |
831 |
55 |
240 |
27 |
416 |
| Comparati ve Example 2 |
steel type 8 |
1221 |
1018 |
845 |
39 |
825 |
52 |
235 |
21 |
300 |
| Comparati ve Example 3 |
steel type 9 |
1206 |
1005 |
828 |
34 |
809 |
63 |
228 |
31 |
134 |
| Comparati ve Example 4 |
steel type 10 |
1231 |
1010 |
838 |
36 |
853 |
61 |
227 |
20 |
71 |
| Comparati ve Example 5 |
steel type 11 |
1231 |
1019 |
852 |
28 |
842 |
85 |
232 |
24 |
85 |
| Comparati ve Example 6 |
steel type 12 |
1240 |
1029 |
853 |
34 |
832 |
72 |
238 |
20 |
137 |
| Comparati ve Example 7 |
steel type 13 |
1253 |
1037 |
834 |
32 |
819 |
62 |
227 |
20 |
141 |
[0076] The microstructures of the central portion and the surface layer of the hot-rolled
steel sheets manufactured according to Tables 1 and 2 were observed and are shown
in Table 3 below.
[0077] The aspect ratio is an aspect ratio calculated by the major axis/minor axis of the
prior austenite grain size of the central portion martensite. The microstructure observation
was performed using a transmission electron microscope and a general electron microscope
at magnifications of 1000x and 3000x, respectively, and measured when distinguishable.
[Table 3]
| Classificati on |
steel type |
aspect ratio of prior austenite (long axis/shor t axis) |
Bainite portion of a central portion (%) |
Martensit e portion of a central portion (%) |
twinned martensit e portion of a surface layer (%) |
Ferrite portion of a surface layer (%) |
| Inventive Example 1 |
steel type 1 |
3 |
0 |
100 |
12 |
20 |
| Inventive Example 2 |
steel type 2 |
4 |
5 |
95 |
12 |
25 |
| Inventive Example 3 |
steel type 3 |
4 |
0 |
100 |
11 |
25 |
| Inventive Example 4 |
steel type 4 |
5.4 |
0 |
100 |
12 |
20 |
| Inventive Example 5 |
steel type 5 |
4 |
5 |
95 |
13 |
25 |
| Inventive Example 6 |
steel type 6 |
3.4 |
5 |
95 |
9 |
25 |
| Comparative Example 1 |
steel type 7 |
6 |
75 |
25 |
0 |
65 |
| Comparative Example 2 |
steel type 8 |
8 |
85 |
15 |
0 |
55 |
| Comparative Example 3 |
steel type 9 |
6 |
0 |
100 |
0 |
0 |
| Comparative Example 4 |
steel type 10 |
3.4 |
25 |
75 |
8 |
30 |
| Comparative Example 5 |
steel type 11 |
6 |
0 |
100 |
0 |
0 |
| Comparative Example 6 |
steel type 12 |
14 |
0 |
100 |
12 |
25 |
| Comparative Example 7 |
steel type 13 |
2.5 |
0 |
100 |
0 |
0 |
[0078] For the hot-rolled steel sheets of Table 3, hardness, physical properties, and bending
workability were evaluated, and the results are shown in Table 4 below. In Table 4
below, the surface hardness and the central portion cross-sectional hardness are Vickers
hardness. The surface hardness was measured on the surface, and the central portion
cross-sectional hardness was measured on the cross-section at 1/2 of the thickness
of the cross-section. r/t is the original bendability, R/t is the bendability, and
is expressed as the ratio of the bending radius (R) to the thickness of the steel
sheet (t) and is based on the minimum bending radius at which no irregularities or
cracks occur on the surface even after 90-degree bending. At this time, the bending
specimen was processed long in the rolling direction and the direction perpendicular
to the rolling direction, and bending was performed so that the bending line was parallel
to the rolling direction. The original bendability was measured after milling the
surface by 0.2 to 0.5 mm. YS and TS are the yield strength and tensile strength measured
during a tensile test in the width direction of the coil, which is the direction perpendicular
to the rolling direction, the unit is MPa, and a JIS No. 5 standard test piece was
used for the tensile test standard.
[0079] Meanwhile, FIG. 1 is a graph showing the relationship between the tensile strength
(TS) and the bendability (R/t) according to the results of Table 4 below.
[Table 4]
| Classifi cation |
steel type |
a surfac es hardne ss (Hv) |
a central portion cross-sectional hardnes (Hv) |
origi nal benda bilit y (r/t) |
bendabi lity (R/t) |
YS (MPa) |
TS (MPa) |
| Inventiv e Example 1 |
steel type 1 |
439 |
474 |
3.7 |
2.7 |
1241 |
1489 |
| Inventiv e Example 2 |
steel type 2 |
404 |
438 |
3.3 |
2.7 |
1125 |
1378 |
| Inventiv e Example 3 |
steel type 3 |
446 |
480 |
3.0 |
2.3 |
1260 |
1507 |
| Inventiv e Example 4 |
steel type 4 |
456 |
492 |
4.0 |
3.0 |
1301 |
1546 |
| Inventiv e Example 5 |
steel type 5 |
449 |
484 |
4.0 |
3.0 |
1273 |
1517 |
| Inventiv e Example 6 |
steel type 6 |
463 |
504 |
4.3 |
3.7 |
1340 |
1581 |
| Comparat ive Example 1 |
steel type 7 |
255 |
276 |
2.3 |
3.0 |
636 |
868 |
| Comparat ive Example 2 |
steel type 8 |
260 |
280 |
3.0 |
3.3 |
651 |
882 |
| Comparat ive Example 3 |
steel type 9 |
418 |
457 |
5.3 |
5.3 |
1185 |
1437 |
| Comparat ive Example 4 |
steel type 10 |
369 |
400 |
4.7 |
4.3 |
1008 |
1258 |
| Comparat ive Example 5 |
steel type 11 |
433 |
468 |
4.7 |
4.7 |
1221 |
1471 |
| Comparat ive Example 6 |
steel type 12 |
425 |
460 |
4.7 |
4.3 |
1195 |
1445 |
| Comparat ive Example 7 |
steel type 13 |
440 |
475 |
5.7 |
5.7 |
1244 |
1493 |
[0080] As shown in Tables 1 to 4 and FIG. 1, Inventive Examples 1 to 6, which satisfy the
conditions presented in the present disclosure, were all able to secure excellent
strength and hardness, and at the same time, secure excellent workability. It can
be confirmed that they have excellent mechanical properties.
[0081] On the other hand, referring to FIG. 1, it can be seen that in the comparative examples,
as the strength increases, R/t increases, and the bending workability deteriorates.
[0082] Specifically, Comparative Examples 1 and 2 satisfied the steel composition and Formula
1 presented in the present disclosure, but the coiling temperature during the manufacturing
process exceeded the range of the present disclosure, and cooling was completed at
a high temperature. As a result, in the final microstructure, a large amount of martensite
in the central portion was replaced by bainite, resulting in very low strength, and
ferrite and twinned martensite were not formed in an appropriate range in the surface
layer. As a result, sufficient hardness was not secured as the coiling temperature
increased.
[0083] Comparative Example 7 satisfied the steel composition and Formula 1 presented in
the present disclosure, but the RDT was excessively high during the manufacturing
process, so the condition of Formula 2 was not satisfied. As a result, a combination
of ferrite and twinned martensite in the surface layer was not formed in the microstructure,
and the bendability was very poor.
[0084] Comparative Example 3 is a case in which Formula 1 related to hardenability elements
such as Mn, Cr, and Mo and their components exceeds the scope of the present disclosure.
As a result, ferrite and twinned martensite were not formed at all in the surface
layer, and even if all the manufacturing process conditions were satisfied, no improvement
effect was shown in bendability.
[0085] In Comparative Example 4, unlike 3, the alloying elements were configured under the
condition that the value of Formula 1 was less than the range of the present disclosure.
Accordingly, it was confirmed that even if all the manufacturing process conditions
presented in the present disclosure were satisfied, sufficient martensite could not
be secured, so that a high-strength steel could not be made. Specifically, most of
the central portion formed a bainite structure, and accordingly, the strength and
hardness were also lower than those of other examples. Of course, the strength and
hardness were lowered and the workability was improved, and an appropriate amount
of ferrite and twinned martensite were also formed on the surface layer, but it is
not suitable for the present disclosure, which aims to improve the bendability of
high-strength steel.
[0086] Comparative Example 5 is a case where the content of Mo and the T value of Formula
1 are out of the range of the present disclosure, and the thickness of the bar plate
during the manufacturing process is too small. Accordingly, in the hot-rolled steel
sheet manufacturing process, the temperature difference between the surface and the
central portion of the bar plate is small, which prevents the formation of ferrite
+ twinned martensite in the surface layer. As a result, sufficient bendability was
not secured, and the difference between the original bendability and the bendability
did not fall within the required range.
[0087] Comparative Example 6 is a case where the Nb content is excessively large, and accordingly,
even if all the manufacturing process conditions presented in the present disclosure
are satisfied, the aspect ratio of the prior austenite deviates from the range of
the present disclosure, resulting in a deterioration of both bendability and original
bendability.