Static Recrystallization Behavior of Low-Carbon Nb-V-Microalloyed Forging Steel

Static recrystallization is a method of tailoring the microstructure and mechanical properties of steels, which is important for microalloyed forging steels as the hot deformation process significantly affects their mechanical properties. In this paper, the static recrystallization behavior of a low-carbon Nb-V-microalloyed forging steel was investigated by double-pass hot compression tests at deformation temperature of 800–1100 °C and interruption time of 1–1000 s. The static recrystallization fractions were determined using the 2% offset method. The static recrystallization activation energy and the static recrystallization critical temperature (SRCT) of the experimental steel were determined. When the deformation temperature was higher than the SRCT, the recrystallization fraction curve conformed to the Avrami equation. When the deformation temperature was below the SRCT, the recrystallization curve appeared to plateau, which was caused by strain-induced precipitation. Before and after the plateau, the static recrystallization kinetics still obeyed the Avrami equation.