Skip to main content
Download PDF

Low-carbon advanced nanostructured steels: Microstructure, mechanical properties, and applications

新型低碳纳米钢: 微观组织、机械性能与应用

Science China Materials volume 64, pages 1580–1597 (2021)Cite this article

Abstract

Low-carbon advanced nanostructured steels have been developed for various structural engineering applications, including bridges, automobiles, and other strength-critical applications such as the reactor pressure vessels in nuclear power stations. The mechanical performances and applications of these steels are strongly dependent on their microstructural features. By controlling the size, number density, distribution, and types of precipitates, it is possible to produce nanostructured steels with a tensile strength reaching as high as 2 GPa while keeping a decent tensile elongation above 10% and a reduction of area as high as 40%. Besides, through a careful control of strength contributions from multiple strengthening mechanisms, the nanostructured steels with superior strengths and low-temperature impact toughness can be obtained by avoiding the temper embrittlement regime. With appropriate Mn additions, these nanostructured steels can achieve a triple enhancement in ductility (total tensile elongation, TE of ~30%) at no expense of strengths (yield strength, YS of ~1100 to 1300 MPa, ultimate tensile strength, UTS of ~1300 to 1400 MPa). More importantly, these steels demonstrate good fabricability and weldability. In this paper, the microstructure-property relationships of these advanced nanostructured steels are comprehensively reviewed. In addition, the current limitations and future development of these nanostructured steels are carefully discussed and outlined.

摘要

新型低碳纳米钢已被开发且广泛应用于各种结构工程, 包括 桥梁、汽车和其他重要高强度应用, 如核电站反应堆压力容器. 纳 米钢的机械性能与应用, 在很大程度上取决于其微观组织. 通过控 制析出物的大小、数量密度、分布和类型, 可以生产出抗拉强度 高达2 GPa的纳米钢, 同时保持10%以上的良好拉伸延伸率及40% 的面积缩小率. 此外, 通过调控各种强化机制, 纳米钢可以避免回 火脆性, 从而具有优异的强度和低温冲击韧性. 通过添加适当的锰 (Mn), 纳米钢可以在不牺牲其强度下(屈服强度, YS为~1100–1300 MPa; 极限抗拉强度, UTS为~1300–1400 MPa), 延展性提高3 倍(总拉伸延伸率, TE约为30%). 更重要的是, 这些纳米钢有良好的 可加工性和可焊性. 本文全面综述了先进纳米钢的微观结构及其 性能关系. 此外, 本文对纳米钢的当前局限和未来发展进行了详细 的探讨和概述.

References

  1. Bhadeshia HKDH. The first bulk nanostructured metal. Sci Tech Adv Mater, 2013, 14: 014202

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Miller RL. Ultrafine-grained microstructures and mechanical properties of alloy steels. Metall Trans, 1972, 3: 905–912

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Halfa H. Recent trends in producing ultrafine grained steels. J Min Mater Charact Eng, 2014, 02: 428–469

    Google Scholar 

  4. Garcia-Mateo C, Caballero FG, Bhadeshia HKDH. Development of hard bainite. ISIJ Int, 2003, 43: 1238–1243

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Jiao ZB, Luan JH, Zhang ZW, et al. Synergistic effects of Cu and Ni on nanoscale precipitation and mechanical properties of high-strength steels. Acta Mater, 2013, 61: 5996–6005

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Jiao ZB, Luan JH, Miller MK, et al. Precipitation mechanism and mechanical properties of an ultra-high strength steel hardened by nanoscale NiAl and Cu particles. Acta Mater, 2015, 97: 58–67

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Jiao ZB, Luan JH, Miller MK, et al. Effects of Mn partitioning on nanoscale precipitation and mechanical properties of ferritic steels strengthened by NiAl nanoparticles. Acta Mater, 2015, 84: 283–291

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Jiang S, Wang H, Wu Y, et al. Ultrastrong steel via minimal lattice misfit and high-density nanoprecipitation. Nature, 2017, 544: 460–464

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Kapoor M, Isheim D, Ghosh G, et al. Aging characteristics and mechanical properties of 1600 MPa body-centered cubic Cu and B2-NiAl precipitation-strengthened ferritic steel. Acta Mater, 2014, 73: 56–74

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Kolli RP, Seidman DN. The temporal evolution of the decomposition of a concentrated multicomponent Fe-Cu-based steel. Acta Mater, 2008, 56: 2073–2088

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Zhang Z, Liu CT, Miller MK, et al. A nanoscale co-precipitation approach for property enhancement of Fe-base alloys. Sci Rep, 2013, 3: 1327

    Google Scholar 

  12. Gagliano MS, Fine ME. Characterization of the nucleation and growth behavior of copper precipitates in low-carbon steels. Metall Mat Trans A, 2004, 35: 2323–2329

    Google Scholar 

  13. Jiao ZB, Luan JH, Miller MK, et al. Co-precipitation of nanoscale particles in steels with ultra-high strength for a new era. Mater Today, 2017, 20: 142–154

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Xu SS, Li JP, Cui Y, et al. Mechanical properties and deformation mechanisms of a novel austenite-martensite dual phase steel. Int J Plast, 2020, 128: 102677

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Zhou BC, Yang T, Zhou G, et al. Mechanisms for suppressing discontinuous precipitation and improving mechanical properties of NiAl-strengthened steels through nanoscale Cu partitioning. Acta Mater, 2021, 205: 116561

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Li Y, Li W, Xu C, et al. Investigation of hierarchical precipitation on bimodal-grained austenite and mechanical properties in quenching-partitioning-tempering steel. Mater Sci Eng-A, 2020, 781: 139207

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Li Y, Li W, Min N, et al. Homogeneous elasto-plastic deformation and improved strain compatibility between austenite and ferrite in a co-precipitation hardened medium Mn steel with enhanced hydrogen embrittlement resistance. Int J Plast, 2020, 133: 102805

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Kong HJ, Yang T, Chen R, et al. Breaking the strength-ductility paradox in advanced nanostructured Fe-based alloys through combined Cu and Mn additions. Scripta Mater, 2020, 186: 213–218

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Jiao ZB, Luan JH, Guo W, et al. Effects of welding and post-weld heat treatments on nanoscale precipitation and mechanical properties of an ultra-high strength steel hardened by NiAl and Cu nanoparticles. Acta Mater, 2016, 120: 216–227

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Chen R, Kong HJ, Luan JH, et al. Effect of external applied magnetic field on microstructures and mechanical properties of laser welding joint of medium-Mn nanostructured steel. Mater Sci Eng-A, 2020, 792: 139787

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Isheim D, Kolli RP, Fine ME, et al. An atom-probe tomographic study of the temporal evolution of the nanostructure of Fe-Cu based high-strength low-carbon steels. Scripta Mater, 2006, 55: 35–40

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Jiao ZB, Luan JH, Zhang ZW, et al. High-strength steels hardened mainly by nanoscale NiAl precipitates. Scripta Mater, 2014, 87: 45–48

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Zhang ZW, Liu CT, Wang XL, et al. Effects of proton irradiation on nanocluster precipitation in ferritic steel containing fcc alloying additions. Acta Mater, 2012, 60: 3034–3046

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Busby J. NEET-Nuclear Energy Enabling Technologies Reactor Materials. News for the reactor materials crosscut. US Department of Energy, May 2015. [Online]. Available at: https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2015/08/f25/NEET-Reactor%20Materials%20Newsletter%20-%20Issue%201.pdf

  25. Vaynman S, Fine ME, Ghosh G, et al. Copper precipitation hardened, high strength, weldable steels. In: The Proceedings of the 4th Materials Engineering Conference: Materials for the New Millennium. Washington, 1996, 10–14

  26. Liu Q, Liu W, Xiong X. Correlation of Cu precipitation with austenite-ferrite transformation in a continuously cooled multi-component steel: An atom probe tomography study. J Mater Res, 2012, 27: 1060–1067

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. World Steel Association. Future steel vehicle results and reports & cost model. World Auto Steel, Feb 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.worldautosteel.org/projects/future-steel-vehicle/phase-2-results/

  28. Roland F, Manzon L, Kujala P, et al. Advanced joining techniques in European shipbuilding. J Ship Prod, 2004, 20: 200–210

    Google Scholar 

  29. He BB, Hu B, Yen HW, et al. High dislocation density-induced large ductility in deformed and partitioned steels. Science, 2017, 357: 1029–1032

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Liu L, Yu Q, Wang Z, et al. Making ultrastrong steel tough by grain-boundary delamination. Science, 2020, 368: 1347–1352

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Raabe D, Ponge D, Dmitrieva O, et al. Nanoprecipitate-hardened 1.5 GPa steels with unexpected high ductility. Scripta Mater, 2009, 60: 1141–1144

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Stallybrass C, Schneider A, Sauthoff G. The strengthening effect of (Ni,Fe)Al precipitates on the mechanical properties at high temperatures of ferritic Fe-Al-Ni-Cr alloys. Intermetallics, 2005, 13: 1263–1268

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Vaynman S, Fine ME, Bhat SP. High strength copper steel for rail tank cars to bridges. Copper Development Association Inc., December 2006. [Online]. Available: https://www.copper.org/publications/newsletters/innovations/2006/12/high_-strength_cu_steel.html

  34. Vaynman S, Fine ME, Chung YW. Super-tough steel for bridges and other applications. Center for the Commercialization of Innovative Transportation Technology, USDOT University Transportation Center, 2009

  35. Vaynman S, Isheim D, Prakash Kolli R, et al. High-strength low-carbon ferritic steel containing Cu-Fe-Ni-Al-Mn precipitates. Metall Mat Trans A, 2008, 39: 363–373

    Google Scholar 

  36. Kolli RP, Seidman DN. Heat treatment of copper precipitation-strengthened steels. In: Dossett JL, Totten GE. ASM Handbook. Volume 4D. Heat Treating of Irons and Steels. Phoenix: ASM International, 2014. 188–203

    Google Scholar 

  37. Fine M, Vaynman S. Monitoring and advising on Lave Villa Bridge. Northwestern University Libraries, 2007

  38. Kolli RP, Seidman DN. Co-precipitated and collocated carbides and Cu-rich precipitates in a Fe-Cu steel characterized by atomprobe tomography. Microsc Microanal, 2014, 20: 1727–1739

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Martin JW. Precipitation Hardening. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann, 1998

    Google Scholar 

  40. Klamecki B. Chapter 19: Cold-working process. University of Minnesota, 2002. [Online]. Available: http://www.menet.umn.edu/~klamecki/degarmo/

  41. Bhadeshia HKDH. TRIP-assisted steels? ISIJ Int, 2002, 42: 1059–1060

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Marquis EA, Choi PP, Danoix F, et al. New insights into the atomic-scale structures and behavior of steels. Micros Today, 2012, 20: 44–48

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Ryu JH, Kim DI, Kim HS, et al. Strain partitioning and mechanical stability of retained austenite. Scripta Mater, 2010, 63: 297–299

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Zhu YT, Wu XL. Ductility and plasticity of nanostructured metals: Differences and issues. Mater Today Nano, 2018, 2: 15–20

    Google Scholar 

  45. Yang MX, Yuan FP, Xie QG, et al. Strain hardening in Fe-16Mn-10Al-0.86C-5Ni high specific strength steel. Acta Mater, 2016, 109: 213–222

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Lee S, Lee SJ, De Cooman BC. Work hardening behavior of ultrafine-grained Mn transformation-induced plasticity steel. Acta Mater, 2011, 59: 7546–7553

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Sun B, Fazeli F, Scott C, et al. Critical role of strain partitioning and deformation twinning on cracking phenomenon occurring during cold rolling of two duplex medium manganese steels. Scripta Mater, 2017, 130: 49–53

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Liu XL, Xue QQ, Wang W, et al. Back-stress-induced strengthening and strain hardening in dual-phase steel. Materialia, 2019, 7: 100376

    Google Scholar 

  49. Wu X, Zhu Y. Heterogeneous materials: A new class of materials with unprecedented mechanical properties. Mater Res Lett, 2017, 5: 527–532

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Lu K. Making strong nanomaterials ductile with gradients. Science, 2014, 345: 1455–1456

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Wu XL, Jiang P, Chen L, et al. Synergetic strengthening by gradient structure. Mater Res Lett, 2014, 2: 185–191

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Tan X, Ponge D, Lu W, et al. Joint investigation of strain partitioning and chemical partitioning in ferrite-containing TRIPassisted steels. Acta Mater, 2020, 186: 374–388

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Tan X, Ponge D, Lu W, et al. Carbon and strain partitioning in a quenched and partitioned steel containing ferrite. Acta Mater, 2019, 165: 561–576

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Sun Z, Song G, Ilavsky J, et al. Duplex precipitates and their effects on the room-temperature fracture behaviour of a NiAl-strengthened ferritic alloy. Mater Res Lett, 2015, 3: 128–134

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Seetharaman V, Sundararaman M, Krishnan R. Precipitation hardening in a PH 13–8 Mo stainless steel. Mater Sci Eng, 1981, 47: 1–11

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Taillard R, Pineau A, Thomas BJ. The precipitation of the intermetallic compound NiAl in Fe-19 wt%Cr alloys. Mater Sci Eng, 1982, 54: 209–219

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. Taillard R, Pineau A. Room temperature tensile properties of Fe-19 wt% Cr alloys precipitation hardened by the intermetallic compound NiAl. Mater Sci Eng, 1982, 56: 219–231

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. Guo Z, Sha W, Vaumousse D. Microstructural evolution in a PH 13–8 stainless steel after ageing. Acta Mater, 2003, 51: 101–116

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. Leitner H, Schober M, Schnitzer R. Splitting phenomenon in the precipitation evolution in an Fe-Ni-Al-Ti-Cr stainless steel. Acta Mater, 2010, 58: 1261–1269

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  60. Niu M, Zhou G, Wang W, et al. Precipitate evolution and strengthening behavior during aging process in a 2.5 GPa grade maraging steel. Acta Mater, 2019, 179: 296–307

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. Sun Z, Song G, Ilavsky J, et al. Nano-sized precipitate stability and its controlling factors in a NiAl-strengthened ferritic alloy. Sci Rep, 2015, 5: 16081

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. Teng ZK, Miller MK, Ghosh G, et al. Characterization of nanoscale NiAl-type precipitates in a ferritic steel by electron microscopy and atom probe tomography. Scripta Mater, 2010, 63: 61–64

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. Teng ZK, Liu CT, Ghosh G, et al. Effects of Al on the microstructure and ductility of NiAl-strengthened ferritic steels at room temperature. Intermetallics, 2010, 18: 1437–1443

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  64. Erlach SD, Leitner H, Bischof M, et al. Comparison of NiAl precipitation in a medium carbon secondary hardening steel and C-free PH 13–8 maraging steel. Mater Sci Eng-A, 2006, 429: 96–106

    Google Scholar 

  65. Sha W, Leitner H, Guo Z, et al. Phase transformations in maraging steels. In: Pereloma E, Edmonds DV (Eds). Phase Transformations in Steels: Diffusionless Transformations, High Strength Steels, Modelling and Advanced Analytical Techniques. Volume 2 in Woodhead Publishing Series in Metals and Surface Engineering. Cambridge: Woodhead Publishing Limited, 2012. 332–362

    Google Scholar 

  66. Sun L, Simm TH, Martin TL, et al. A novel ultra-high strength maraging steel with balanced ductility and creep resistance achieved by nanoscale β-NiAl and Laves phase precipitates. Acta Mater, 2018, 149: 285–301

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  67. Hulme-Smith CN, Bhadeshia HKDH. Mechanical properties of thermally-stable, nanocrystalline bainitic steels. Mater Sci Eng-A, 2017, 700: 714–720

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  68. Simm TH, Sun L, Galvin DR, et al. The effect of a two-stage heat-treatment on the microstructural and mechanical properties of a maraging steel. Materials, 2017, 10: 1346

    Google Scholar 

  69. Song G, Sun Z, Li L, et al. Ferritic alloys with extreme creep resistance via coherent hierarchical precipitates. Sci Rep, 2015, 5: 16327

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  70. Teng ZK, Zhang F, Miller MK, et al. New NiAl-strengthened ferritic steels with balanced creep resistance and ductility designed by coupling thermodynamic calculations with focused experiments. Intermetallics, 2012, 29: 110–115

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  71. Calderon HA, Fine ME, Weertman JR. Coarsening and morphology of β′ particles in Fe-Ni-Al-Mo ferritic alloys. Metall Trans A, 1988, 19: 1135–1146

    Google Scholar 

  72. Base Metals Investing—Prices, Mining Stocks and News. Glacier Media Group, Oct 2019. [Online]. Available: http://www.infomine.com/investment/base-metals/

  73. Pig Iron. SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd., Oct 2019. [Online]. Available: https://price.metal.com/Pig-Iron

  74. Duan QQ, Qu RT, Zhang P, et al. Intrinsic impact toughness of relatively high strength alloys. Acta Mater, 2018, 142: 226–235

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  75. Bandyopadhyay N, McMahon CJ. The micro-mechanisms of tempered martensite embrittlement in 4340-type steels. Metall Trans A, 1983, 14: 1313–1325

    Google Scholar 

  76. Basinski ZS, Christian JW. Mechanical properties of metals at low temperatures. In: Timmerhaus KD (Ed). Advances in Cryogenic Engineering. Advances in Cryogenic Engineering, vol 2. Boston: Springer, 1960

    Google Scholar 

  77. Kwon KH, Yi IC, Ha Y, et al. Origin of intergranular fracture in martensitic 8Mn steel at cryogenic temperatures. Scripta Mater, 2013, 69: 420–423

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  78. Horn RM, Ritchie RO. Mechanisms of tempered martensite embrittlement in low alloy steels. Metall Trans A, 1978, 9: 1039–1053

    Google Scholar 

  79. Seah MP. Interface adsorption, embrittlement and fracture in metallurgy. Surf Sci, 1975, 53: 168–212

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  80. Dhua SK, Ray A, Sarma DS. Effect of tempering temperatures on the mechanical properties and microstructures of HSLA-100 type copper-bearing steels. Mater Sci Eng-A, 2001, 318: 197–210

    Google Scholar 

  81. Liu Q, Wen H, Zhang H, et al. Effect of multistage heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of high-strength low-alloy steel. Metall Mat Trans A, 2016, 47: 1960–1974

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  82. Kong HJ, Xu C, Bu CC, et al. Hardening mechanisms and impact toughening of a high-strength steel containing low Ni and Cu additions. Acta Mater, 2019, 172: 150–160

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  83. Shin SY, Hwang B, Lee S, et al. Correlation of microstructure and charpy impact properties in API X70 and X80 line-pipe steels. Mater Sci Eng-A, 2007, 458: 281–289

    Google Scholar 

  84. Zhao Y, Tong X, Wei XH, et al. Effects of microstructure on crack resistance and low-temperature toughness of ultra-low carbon high strength steel. Int J Plast, 2019, 116: 203–215

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  85. Han G, Xie ZJ, Li ZY, et al. Evolution of crystal structure of Cu precipitates in a low carbon steel. Mater Des, 2017, 135: 92–101

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  86. Monzen R, Jenkins ML, Sutton AP. The bcc-to-9R martensitic transformation of Cu precipitates and the relaxation process of elastic strains in an Fe-Cu alloy. Philos Mag A, 2000, 80: 711–723

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  87. Sun M, Zhang W, Liu Z, et al. Direct observations on the crystal structure evolution of nano Cu-precipitates in an extremely low carbon steel. Mater Lett, 2017, 187: 49–52

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  88. Othen PJ, Jenkins ML, Smith GDW, et al. Transmission electron microscope investigations of the structure of copper precipitates in thermally-aged Fe-Cu and Fe-Cu-Ni. Philos Mag Lett, 1991, 64: 383–391

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  89. Takahashi J, Kawakami K, Kobayashi Y. Consideration of particle-strengthening mechanism of copper-precipitation-strengthened steels by atom probe tomography analysis. Mater Sci Eng-A, 2012, 535: 144–152

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  90. Lozano-Perez S, Jenkins ML, Titchmarsh JM. Evidence for deformation-induced transformations of Cu-rich precipitates in an aged FeCu alloy. Philos Mag Lett, 2006, 86: 367–374

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  91. Hu SY, Schmauder S, Chen LQ. Atomistic simulations of interactions between Cu precipitates and an edge dislocation in a BCC Fe single crystal. Phys Stat Sol B, 2000, 220: 845–846

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  92. Sun Z. Microstructures and mechanical behavior of NiAl-strengthened ferritic alloys at room and elevated temperatures. Dissertation for the Doctoral Degree. Tennessee: University of Tennessee, 2015

    Google Scholar 

  93. Liu CT, Jiao ZB, Luan JH. Copper-rich nanoclusters: Ferritic steels strengthened. In: Colás R, Totten GE (Eds). Encyclopedia of Iron, Steel, and Their Alloys. Florida: CRC Press, 2015. 875–886

    Google Scholar 

  94. Jiao ZB, Luan JH, Miller MK, et al. Group precipitation and age hardening of nanostructured Fe-based alloys with ultra-high strengths. Sci Rep, 2016, 6: 21364

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  95. Wen YR, Hirata A, Zhang ZW, et al. Microstructure characterization of Cu-rich nanoprecipitates in a Fe-2.5Cu-1.5Mn-4.0Ni-1.0Al multicomponent ferritic alloy. Acta Mater, 2013, 61: 2133–2147

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  96. Isheim D, Gagliano MS, Fine ME, et al. Interfacial segregation at Cu-rich precipitates in a high-strength low-carbon steel studied on a sub-nanometer scale. Acta Mater, 2006, 54: 841–849

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  97. Fine ME, Liu JZ, Asta MD. An unsolved mystery: The composition of bcc Cu alloy precipitates in bcc Fe and steels. Mater Sci Eng-A, 2007, 463: 271–274

    Google Scholar 

  98. Worrall GM, Buswell JT, English CA, et al. A study of the precipitation of copper particles in a ferrite matrix. J Nucl Mater, 1987, 148: 107–114

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  99. Osamura K, Okuda H, Takashima M, et al. Small-angle neutron scattering study of phase decomposition in Fe-Cu binary alloy. Mater Trans JIM, 1993, 34: 305–311

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  100. Zhu J, Zhang T, Yang Y, et al. Phase field study of the copper precipitation in Fe-Cu alloy. Acta Mater, 2019, 166: 560–571

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  101. Liu Q, Chen Y, Li C, et al. Compositional variants of Cu-rich precipitate in thermally aged ferritic steel. Acta Metall Sin (Engl Lett), 2018, 31: 465–470

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  102. Kolli RP, Mao Z, Seidman DN, et al. Identification of a Ni0.5(Al0.5−xMnx)B2 phase at the heterophase interfaces of Cu-rich precipitates in an α-Fe matrix. Appl Phys Lett, 2007, 91: 241903

    Google Scholar 

  103. Xu SS, Liu YW, Zhang Y, et al. Precipitation kinetics and mechanical properties of nanostructured steels with Mo additions. Mater Res Lett, 2020, 8: 187–194

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  104. Martin JW. Micromechanisms in Particle-Hardened Alloys. Great Britian: Cambridge University Press, 1980

    Google Scholar 

  105. Hornbogen E, Zum Gahr KH. Distribution of plastic strain in alloys containing small particles. Metallography, 1975, 8: 181–202

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  106. Baker I. Improving the ductility of intermetallic compounds by particle-induced slip homogenization. Scr Mater, 1999, 41: 109–414

    Google Scholar 

  107. Teng ZK, Liu CT, Miller MK, et al. Room temperature ductility of NiAl-strengthened ferritic steels: Effects of precipitate microstructure. Mater Sci Eng-A, 2012, 541: 22–27

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  108. Kapoor M, Isheim D, Vaynman S, et al. Effects of increased alloying element content on NiAl-type precipitate formation, loading rate sensitivity, and ductility of Cu- and NiAl-precipitation-strengthened ferritic steels. Acta Mater, 2016, 104: 166–171

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  109. Stoloff NS, Davies RG. The mechanical properties of ordered alloys. Prog Mater Sci, 1968, 13: 1–84

    Google Scholar 

  110. Fine ME, Vaynman S, Isheim D, et al. A new paradigm for designing high-fracture-energy steels. Metall Mat Trans A, 2010, 41: 3318–3325

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  111. Honeycombe RWK, Bhadeshia HKDH. Steels: Microstructure and Properties. London: Edward Arnold, 1995

    Google Scholar 

  112. Li Y, Raabe D, Herbig M, et al. Segregation stabilizes nanocrystalline bulk steel with near theoretical strength. Phys Rev Lett, 2014, 113: 106104

    Google Scholar 

  113. Morris JW, Guo Z, Krenn CR, et al. Advances in physical metallurgy and processing of steels. The limits of strength and toughness in steel. ISIJ Int, 2001, 41: 599–611

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  114. Kuzmina M, Herbig M, Ponge D, et al. Linear complexions: Confined chemical and structural states at dislocations. Science, 2015, 349: 1080–1083

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  115. Kwiatkowski da Silva A, Leyson G, Kuzmina M, et al. Confined chemical and structural states at dislocations in Fe-9wt% Mn steels: A correlative TEM-atom probe study combined with multiscale modelling. Acta Mater, 2017, 124: 305–315

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  116. Kaplan WD. The mechanism of crystal deformation. Science, 2015, 349: 1059–1060

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  117. Yang T, Zhao YL, Li WP. Ultrahigh-strength and ductile superlattice alloys with nanoscale disordered interfaces. Science, 2020, 369: 427–432

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  118. Kuzmina M, Ponge D, Raabe D. Grain boundary segregation engineering and austenite reversion turn embrittlement into toughness: Example of a 9 wt% medium Mn steel. Acta Mater, 2015, 86: 182–192

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  119. Kong H, Liu C. A review on nano-scale precipitation in steels. Technologies, 2018, 6: 36

    Google Scholar 

  120. Raabe D, Herbig M, Sandlöbes S, et al. Grain boundary segregation engineering in metallic alloys: A pathway to the design of interfaces. Curr Opin Solid State Mater Sci, 2014, 18: 253–261

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  121. Li DZ, Wei YH, Hou LF, et al. Effect of temperature on impact properties and microstructural evolution of twinning induced plasticity steel. Mater Sci Tech, 2012, 28: 303–310

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  122. Sugimoto K, Srivastava AK. Microstructure and mechanical properties of a TRIP-aided martensitic steel. Metallogr Microstruct Anal, 2015, 4: 344–354

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  123. Zou Y, Xu YB, Wang G, et al. Improved strength-ductilitytoughness balance of a precipitation-strengthened low-carbon medium-Mn steel by adopting intercritical annealing-tempering process. Mater Sci Eng-A, 2021, 802: 140636

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  124. Song R, Ponge D, Raabe D. Mechanical properties of an ultrafine grained C-Mn steel processed by warm deformation and annealing. Acta Mater, 2005, 53: 4881–4892

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  125. Ishida K. Effect of grain size on grain boundary segregation. J Alloys Compd, 1996, 235: 244–249

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  126. Hou W, Liu Q, Gu J. Improved impact toughness by multi-step heat treatment in a 1400 MPa low carbon precipitation-strengthened steel. Mater Sci Eng-A, 2020, 797: 140077

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  127. Armstrong RW. Dislocation pile-ups, strength properties and fracturing. Rev Adv Mater Sci, 2017, 48: 1–12

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  128. Lejček P, Hofmann S, Paidar V. Solute segregation and classification of [100] tilt grain boundaries in α-iron: Consequences for grain boundary engineering. Acta Mater, 2003, 51: 3951–3963

    Google Scholar 

  129. Watanabe T. Grain boundary design and control for high temperature materials. Mater Sci Eng-A, 1993, 166: 11–28

    Google Scholar 

  130. Jang D, Atzmon M. Grain-boundary relaxation and its effect on plasticity in nanocrystalline Fe. J Appl Phys, 2006, 99: 083504

    Google Scholar 

  131. Rupert TJ, Trelewicz JR, Schuh CA. Grain boundary relaxation strengthening of nanocrystalline Ni-W alloys. J Mater Res, 2012, 27: 1285–1294

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  132. Lu K, Lu L, Suresh S. Strengthening materials by engineering coherent internal boundaries at the nanoscale. Science, 2009, 324: 349–352

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  133. Pan Z, Rupert TJ. Amorphous intergranular films as toughening structural features. Acta Mater, 2015, 89: 205–214

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  134. Khalajhedayati A, Pan Z, Rupert TJ. Manipulating the interfacial structure of nanomaterials to achieve a unique combination of strength and ductility. Nat Commun, 2016, 7: 10802

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  135. Cao BX, Kong HJ, Fan L, et al. Heterogenous columnar-grained high-entropy alloys produce exceptional resistance to intermediate-temperature intergranular embrittlement. Scripta Mater, 2021, 194: 113622

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  136. Anderoglu O, Misra A, Wang H, et al. Thermal stability of sputtered Cu films with nanoscale growth twins. J Appl Phys, 2008, 103: 094322

    Google Scholar 

  137. Zhang X, Misra A. Superior thermal stability of coherent twin boundaries in nanotwinned metals. Scripta Mater, 2012, 66: 860–865

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  138. Zhou X, Li XY, Lu K. Stabilizing nanograins in metals with grain boundary relaxation. Scripta Mater, 2020, 187: 345–349

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  139. Tempelman E. Lightweight materials, lightweight design? In: Karana E, Pedgley O, Rognoli V (Eds). Materials Experience: Fundamentals of Materials and Design. Boston: Elsevier, 2014. 247–258

    Google Scholar 

  140. Wen YR, Li YP, Hirata A, et al. Synergistic alloying effect on microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of Cu precipitation-strengthened ferritic alloys. Acta Mater, 2013, 61: 7726–7740

    CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51801169), Hong Kong Research Grant Council (CityU Grant 9360161, 9042635, 9042879), and the internal funding from the City University of Hong Kong (CityU 9380060).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

    Haojie Kong, Jian Lu & Chain Tsuan Liu

  2. Department of Mechanical Engineering & Shenzhen Research Institute, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China

    Zengbao Jiao

  3. Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

    Chain Tsuan Liu

  4. Center for Advanced Structural Materials, Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

    Jian Lu & Chain Tsuan Liu

  5. Hong Kong Institute for Advanced Study, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

    Jian Lu & Chain Tsuan Liu

Authors
  1. Haojie Kong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Zengbao Jiao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Jian Lu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Chain Tsuan Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

Kong HJ and Liu CT wrote the manuscript; Liu CT and Jiao ZB conceptualized the idea; Lu J and Liu CT acquired the funding.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Chain Tsuan Liu.

Additional information

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Haojie Kong obtained his PhD degree from the City University of Hong Kong and is currently working as a postdoc researcher under the supervision of Prof. Liu CT. His research interests focus on the design, development, and application of high-strength steels.

Zengbao Jiao received his PhD degree from the City University of Hong Kong under the supervision of Prof. Liu CT. He then worked as a postdoc fellow in the same group and in Prof. Christopher A. Schuh’s group at Massachusetts Institute of Technology for another year. He is currently an assistant professor of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He specializes in advanced structural materials and 3D atom probe tomography.

Jian Lu received his PhD in materials science and applied mechanics from the University of Technology of Compiegne. He is a member of the National Academy of Technologies, France, and currently the Vice-President (research and technology) of the City University of Hong Kong. He is well known for his contributions in the surface science and engineering as well as the processing and mechanical properties of advanced nanomaterials.

Chain Tsuan Liu obtained his PhD degree from Brown University. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, USA, and the foreign member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE). He is currently the University Distinguished Professor at the City University of Hong Kong. He is among the world pioneers in the field of intermetallic alloys, bulk metallic glass, nanostructured steels, and advanced high temperature alloys.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Kong, H., Jiao, Z., Lu, J. et al. Low-carbon advanced nanostructured steels: Microstructure, mechanical properties, and applications. Sci. China Mater. 64, 1580–1597 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40843-020-1595-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40843-020-1595-2

Keywords

  • heterogeneous
  • nano-precipitates
  • strength-ductility paradox
  • embrittlement
  • dislocation interactions