HIGH STRENGTH HOT ROLLED STEEL SHEET AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME (AS AMENDED)

Abstract
A high strength hot rolled steel sheet having a tensile strength TS of 980 MPa or more, has a composition containing, on a percent by mass basis, C: 0.05% or more and 0.18% or less, Si: 1.0% or less, Mn: 1.0% or more and 3.5% or less, P: 0.04% or less, S: 0.006% or less, Al: 0.10% or less, N: 0.008% or less, Ti: 0.05% or more and 0.20% or less, V: more than 0.1% and 0.3% or less, and the balance being Fe and incidental impurities, and has a microstructure including a primary phase and a secondary phase, the primary phase being a bainite phase having an area fraction of more than 85%, the secondary phase being at least one of ferrite phase, martensite phase, and retained austenite phase, the secondary phase having an area fraction of 0% or more and less than 15% in total, the bainite phase having an average lath interval of laths of 400 nm or less, and the laths having an average long axis length of 5.0 μm or less.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a high strength hot rolled steel sheet having a tensile strength of 980 MPa or more, which is suitable for a material for structural parts and frameworks of automobiles, frames of trucks, steel pipes, and the like.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, automobile exhaust gas regulations have been tightened from the viewpoint of global environmental conservation. Under such circumstances, an improvement of fuel efficiency of automobiles, e.g., trucks, has been an important issue and enhancement of strength and reduction in thickness of the material employed have been further required. Along with this, in particular, high strength hot rolled steel sheets have been actively applied to materials for automobile parts.


Also, in accordance with a demand for further reduction in the construction cost of pipeline, reduction in the material cost of steel pipes have been required. Consequently, instead of UOE steel pipes formed from steel plate, high strength welded steel pipes produced from coil-shaped hot rolled steel sheets with low-price and high productivity, have been noted as transport pipes.


As described above, demands for high strength hot rolled steel sheets having predetermined strength as materials for automotive parts and materials for steel pipes have increased year after year. In particular, the high strength hot rolled steel sheet having tensile strength: 980 MPa or more is highly expected to serve as a material capable of improving fuel efficiency of automobile by leaps and bounds or a material capable of reducing the construction cost of pipeline to a large extent.


However, as the strength of the steel sheet increases, the toughness is degraded in general. Therefore, in order to provide the toughness required of automotive parts and steel pipes to the high strength hot rolled steel sheet, various studies have been conducted on the improvement of toughness. In addition, various studies have been conducted on the hole expansion workability of the high strength hot rolled steel sheet for automotive parts.


Toughness

For example, Patent Literature 1 proposes a hot rolled steel sheet with sheet thickness: 4.0 mm or more and 12 mm or less, having a composition containing, on a percent by mass basis, C: 0.04% to 0.12%, Si: 0.5% to 1.2%, Mn: 1.0% to 1.8%, P: 0.03% or less, S: 0.0030% or less, Al: 0.005% to 0.20%, N: 0.005% or less, Ti: 0.03% to 0.13%, and the balance being Fe and incidental impurities and a microstructure in which the area fraction of bainite phase is more than 95% and the average grain size of the bainite phase is 3 μm or less, wherein a difference between the Vickers hardness at the position at 50 μm from the surface layer and the Vickers hardness at the position one-quarter of the sheet thickness is specified to be 50 or less, and a difference between the Vickers hardness at the position one-quarter of the sheet thickness and the Vickers hardness at the position at one-half of the sheet thickness is specified to be 40 or less. It is mentioned that according to the technology proposed in Patent Literature 1, a high strength hot rolled steel sheet exhibiting excellent toughness and having tensile stress: 780 MPa or more is obtained by specifying the principal phase to be fine bainite and reducing the hardness distribution in the sheet thickness direction.


Patent Literature 2 proposes a method for manufacturing a steel sheet, including the steps of heating a steel material satisfying, on a percent by mass basis, C: 0.05% to 0.18%, Si: 0.10% to 0.60%, Mn: 0.90% to 2.0%, P: 0.025% or less (excluding 0%), S: 0.015% or less (excluding 0%), Al: 0.001% to 0.1%, and N: 0.002% to 0.01%, and the balance being Fe and incidental impurities, to 950° C. or higher and 1, 250° C. or lower, starting rolling, completing the rolling at 820° C. or higher, performing cooling to 600° C. to 700° C. at a cooling rate of 20° C./s or more, performing holding at that temperature range for 10 to 200 seconds or performing slow cooling and, thereafter, performing cooling to 300° C. or lower at a cooling rate of 5° C./s or more, wherein the metal microstructure is specified to be ferrite: 70% to 90%, martensite or a mixed phase of martensite and austenite: 3% to 15%, and the remainder: bainite (including the case of 0%) on an area fraction relative to the whole microstructure basis and, in addition, the average grain size of the above-described ferrite is specified to be 20 μm or less. It is mentioned that according to the technology proposed in Patent Literature 2, a high toughness steel sheet which has a tensile strength of 490 N/mm2 or more and which exhibits a low yield ratio, where the yield ratio is 70% or less, is obtained by specifying the metal microstructure to be a microstructure including ferrite having fine crystal grains, martensite or a mixed phase of martensite and austenite, and the like.


Patent Literature 3 proposes a method for manufacturing a thick high strength hot rolled steel sheet, including the steps of subjecting a steel material containing, on a percent by mass basis, C: 0.02% to 0.25%, Si: 1.0% or less, Mn: 0.3% to 2.3%, P: 0.03% or less, S: 0.03% or less, Al: 0.1% or less, Nb: 0.03% to 0.25%, and Ti: 0.001% to 0.10%, where (Ti+Nb/2)/C<4 is satisfied, to hot rolling, applying first cooling after finish rolling of the hot rolling is completed, where accelerated cooling is performed at an average cooling rate of hot-rolled sheet surface of 20° C./s or more and less than martensite formation critical cooling rate until the surface temperature reaches the Ar3 transformation temperature or lower and the Ms temperature or lower, applying second cooling, where quenching is performed until the sheet thickness center temperature reaches 350° C. or higher and lower than 600° C., performing coiling into the shape of a coil at a coiling temperature of 350° C. or higher and lower than 600° C. on a sheet thickness center temperature basis, and applying third cooling, where at least the position at one-quarter of the sheet thickness in the coil thickness direction to the position at three-quarters of the sheet thickness is held or retained at a temperature range of 350° C. to 600° C. for 30 minutes or more, sequentially. It is mentioned that according to the technology proposed in Patent Literature 3, a material for X65 grade or higher of high strength electric resistance welded steel pipe exhibiting excellent low-temperature toughness is obtained by specifying the microstructure of the hot rolled steel sheet to be a bainite phase or bainitic ferrite phase and, furthermore, adjusting the amount of grain boundary cementite to a specific value or less.


Hole Expansion Workability


For example, Patent Literature 4 describes a method for manufacturing a high strength hot rolled steel sheet, including the steps of heating a steel having a composition containing, on a percent by mass basis, C: 0.05% to 0.15%, Si: 0.2% to 1.2%, Mn: 1.0% to 2.0%, P: 0.04% or less, S: 0.005% or less, Ti: 0.05% to 0.15%, Al: 0.005% to 0.10%, N: 0.007% or less, and the balance being Fe and incidental impurities to 1,150° C. to 1,350° C., and preferably higher than 1,200° C. and 1,350° C. or lower, applying hot rolling which is completed at a finishing temperature of 850° C. to 950° C., and preferably higher than 900° C. and 950° C. or lower, applying cooling after the hot rolling is completed, where cooling to 530° C. is performed at an average cooling rate of 30° C./s or more, applying cooling to coiling temperature: 300° C. to 500° C. at an average cooling rate of 100° C./s or more, and performing coiling at that coiling temperature. It is mentioned that, according to this, the stretch flangeability and the fatigue resistance are considerably improved while high strength of TS: 780 MPa or more is maintained by allowing the microstructure to become composed of a bainite single phase having an average grain size of 5 μm or less, and preferably more than 3.0 μm and 5.0 μm or less and allowing 0.02% or more of solid solution Ti to remain. It is mentioned that the microstructure may be composed of 90% or more on an area fraction basis of bainite phase and a secondary phase other than the bainite phase, where the average grain size of the secondary phase is 3 μm or less, instead of the microstructure composed of the bainite single phase.


Patent Literature 5 describes a method for manufacturing a high strength hot rolled steel sheet, including the steps of subjecting a slab containing, on a percent by mass basis, C: 0.01% to 0.08%, Si: 0.30% to 1.50%, Mn: 0.50% to 2.50%, P: 0.03% or less, S: 0.005% or less, one or two of Ti: 0.01% to 0.20% and Nb: 0.01% to 0.04%, and the balance being Fe and incidental impurities to hot rolling, where the finish rolling temperature is specified to be the Ara transformation temperature to 950° C., performing cooling to 650° C. to 800° C. at a cooling rate of 20° C./s or more, performing air cooling for 2 to 15 s, performing further cooling to 350° C. to 600° C. at a cooling rate of 20° C./s or more, and performing coiling. It is mentioned that, according to this, a high strength hot rolled steel sheet having a ferrite bainite two-phase microstructure in which the proportion of ferrite having a grain size of 2 μm or more is 80% or more, having TS: 690 MPa or more, and exhibiting excellent hole expansion property and ductility is obtained. Also, it is mentioned that 0.0005% to 0.01% of one or two of Ca and REM may be contained.


Patent Literature 6 describes a high strength steel sheet exhibiting excellent hole expansion property and ductility. The high strength steel sheet described in Patent Literature 6 is a steel sheet containing, on a percent by mass basis, C: 0.01% to 0.20%, Si: 1.50% or less, Al: 1.5% or less, Mn: 0.5% to 3.5%, P: 0.2% or less, S: 0.0005% to 0.009%, N: 0.009% or less, Mg: 0.0006% to 0.01%, 0: 0.005% or less, one or two of Ti: 0.01% to 0.20% and Nb: 0.01% to 0.10%, and the balance being Fe and incidental impurities, wherein all three formulae below





[Mg %]≧([O %]/16×0.8)×24  (1)





[S %]≦([Mg %]/24−[O %]/16×0.8+0.00012)×32  (2)





[S %]≦0.0075/[Mn %]  (3)


are satisfied and the microstructure includes a bainite phase as a primary phase. It is mentioned that, according to this, a steel sheet having TS: 980 MPa or more and exhibiting excellent hole expansion property and ductility is produced. It is mentioned that according to the technology proposed in Patent Literature 3, the addition balance between O, Mg, Mn, and S is adjusted to some conditions, (Nb,Ti)N is allowed to become fine and uniform by utilizing composite precipitation of MgO and MgS, fine, uniform voids are generated in a cross-section of a punched hole, stress concentration during hole expansion working is mitigated and, thereby, the hole expansion property is improved.


PATENT LITERATURE

PTL 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-062557


PTL 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-056294


PTL 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-174343


PTL 4: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-12701


PTL 5: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-180190


PTL 6: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2005-120437


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Toughness

In the technology proposed in Patent Literature 1, the high strength hot rolled steel sheet having tensile strength: 980 MPa or more is obtained. However, the control of the bainite microstructure is insufficient and, thereby, there is a problem that excellent low-temperature toughness cannot be obtained stably.


Also, in the technology proposed in Patent Literature 2, the metal microstructure of the steel is specified to be the structure including a ferrite phase as a primary phase, although in the case where the tensile strength is in the 980 MPa class, the toughness of the ferrite phase may be degraded significantly.


Also, in the technology proposed in Patent Literature 3, an improvement of the low-temperature toughness by controlling the amount of grain boundary cementite is intended, although the hot rolled steel sheet strength is insufficient and, as shown in the example thereof, tensile strength: about 800 MPa is the maximum. In this regard, in the case where a high strength hot rolled steel sheet having tensile strength: 980 MPa or more is obtained on the basis of the technology proposed in Patent Literature 3, it is necessary that the C content be increased. However, the control of the grain boundary cementite becomes difficult as the C content increases, so that excellent toughness cannot be obtained stably in some cases.


The present invention solves the above-described problems included in the technologies of the related art advantageously, and it is an object to provide a high strength hot rolled steel sheet having high strength of tensile strength: 980 MPa or more, further exhibiting good toughness and, in one example, having a sheet thickness of 4 mm or more and 15 mm or less and a method for manufacturing the same.


Hole Expansion Property


In the technology described in Patent Literature 4, the aimed strength is tensile strength TS: 780 MPa or more, and when the C content is increased, high strength of tensile strength TS: 980 MPa or more can be obtained. However, if the C content is increased to further enhance the strength, control of the amount of precipitation of Ti carbides becomes difficult, and there is a problem that 0.02% or more of solid solution Ti required for improving hole expansion property cannot be left easily stably.


In the technology described in Patent Literature 5, the steel sheet microstructure is specified to be the mixed microstructure of ferrite in which the proportion of ferrite having a grain size of 2 μm or more is 80% or more+bainite. Therefore, there are problems that the resulting steel sheet strength is about 976 MPa at the maximum, further higher strength of tensile strength TS: 980 MPa or more cannot be achieved easily, and even if the high strength of tensile strength TS: 980 MPa or more is obtained, the toughness of the ferrite phase is degraded significantly and excellent hole expansion property cannot be obtained.


It is mentioned that in the technology described in Patent Literature 6, (Nb,Ti)N is allowed to become fine and uniform, in a cross-section of a punched hole, fine, uniform voids are generated, stress concentration during hole expansion working is mitigated and, thereby, the hole expansion property (hole expansion workability) is improved. However, there are problems that the distances between grains of (Nb,Ti)N are reduced by allowing (Nb,Ti)N to become fine and uniform, voids generated during local deformation are connected easily, and local elongation may be reduced.


The present invention solves such problems included in the technologies of the related art, and it is an object to provide a high strength hot rolled steel sheet exhibiting excellent hole expansion workability while the high strength of tensile strength: 980 MPa or more has and a method for manufacturing the same. In this regard, the high strength hot rolled steel sheet aimed in the present invention may be a steel sheet having a sheet thickness of 2 to 4 mm.


Toughness


In order to achieve the object, the present inventors conducted intensive research to improve the toughness of a hot rolled steel sheet while the high strength of tensile strength TS: 980 MPa or more had. Specifically, the bainite phase was noted, where it is known that the bainite phase has good strength-toughness balance in general, and various factors affecting the strength and the toughness of the hot rolled steel sheet, in which the primary phase of the microstructure was bainite, were studied. As a result, it was found that allowing laths of the bainite phase to become fine was very effective in enhancing strength and improving toughness of the hot rolled steel sheet. Then, further studies were conducted. As a result, it was found that the toughness was improved considerably while the high strength of tensile strength TS: 980 MPa or more was maintained by adding predetermined amounts of Ti and V, specifying the primary phase to be preferably more than 85% on an area fraction basis of bainite phase, specifying the lath interval of the bainite phase to be 400 nm or less in average, and specifying the length of long axis of the lath to be 5.0 μm or less in average.


The present invention has been completed on the basis of the above-described findings and additional studies. That is, an exemplary configuration of an embodiment of the present invention is as described below.


[1] A high strength hot rolled steel sheet having a tensile strength TS of 980 MPa or more and excellent toughness, comprising a composition and a microstructure,


the composition containing, on a percent by mass basis, C: 0.05% or more and 0.18% or less, Si: 1.0% or less, Mn: 1.0% or more and 3.5% or less, P: 0.04% or less, S: 0.006% or less, Al: 0.10% or less, N: 0.008% or less, Ti: 0.05% or more and 0.20% or less, V: more than 0.1% and 0.3% or less, and the balance being Fe and incidental impurities, and


the microstructure comprising a primary phase and a secondary phase,


the primary phase being a bainite phase having an area fraction of more than 85%,


the secondary phase being at least one of ferrite phase, martensite phase and retained austenite phase, the secondary phase having an area fraction of 0% or more and less than 15% in total,


the bainite phase having an average lath interval of laths of 400 nm or less, and the laths having an average long axis length of 5.0 μm or less.


[2] The high strength hot rolled steel sheet having excellent toughness, according to the item [1], wherein the composition further contains, on a percent by mass basis, at least one selected from Nb: 0.005% or more and 0.4% or less, B: 0.0002% or more and 0.0020% or less, Cu: 0.005% or more and 0.2% or less, Ni: 0.005% or more and 0.2% or less, Cr: 0.005% or more and 0.4% or less, and Mo: 0.005% or more and 0.4% or less.


[3] The high strength hot rolled steel sheet having excellent toughness, according to the item [1] or item [2], wherein the composition further contains, on a percent by mass basis, at least one selected from Ca: 0.0002% or more and 0.01% or less and REM: 0.0002% or more and 0.01% or less.


[4] A method for manufacturing a high strength hot rolled steel sheet having excellent toughness, including:


heating a steel having the composition according to any one of the items [1] to [3] to 1,200° C. or higher,


applying hot rolling having rough rolling and finish rolling in which the accumulated rolling reduction is 50% or more in a temperature range of 1,000° C. or lower and the finishing temperature is 820° C. or higher and 930° C. or lower,


starting cooling within 4.0 s after the hot rolling,


performing cooling at an average cooling rate of 20° C./s or more, and


performing coiling at a coiling temperature of 300° C. or higher and 450° C. or lower.


Hole Expansion Workability


In order to achieve the object, the present inventors conducted intensive research on various factors affecting the hole expansion workability while the high strength of tensile strength TS: 980 MPa or more has. As a result, it was found that when the primary phase in the microstructure was specified to be the bainite phase and high strength of tensile strength TS: 980 MPa or more had, cementite functioned as a starting point of void formation during hole expansion working or local deformation, and as the amount of cementite increased, voids were connected to each other easily, the local ductility was degraded, and the hole expansion workability was degraded. Also, it was found that as the grain size of cementite increased, coarse voids were formed in the punched surface by punching, which was a pretreatment of hole expansion working, and the hole expansion property was degraded.


Under these circumstances, the present inventors conducted further research and found that in order to improve the hole expansion property and, furthermore, the local ductility while the high strength of tensile strength TS: 980 MPa or more had, adjustment of the balance between the contents of C, Si, Ti, and V, further adjustment of cementite to 0.8% or less on a percent by mass basis and the average grain size of cementite to 150 nm or less by optimizing the production condition, and an increase in distance between cementite grains were important.


The present invention has been completed on the basis of the above-described findings and additional studies. That is, the gist of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is as described below.


[5] A high strength hot rolled steel sheet having a tensile strength TS of 980 MPa or more and an excellent hole expansion property, comprising a composition and a microstructure,


the composition containing, on a percent by mass basis, C: more than 0.1% and 0.2% or less, Si: 1.0% or less, Mn: 1.5% to 2.5%, P: 0.05% or less, S: 0.005% or less, Al: 0.10% or less, N: 0.007% or less, Ti: 0.07% to 0.2%, V: more than 0.1% and 0.3% or less, and the balance being Fe and incidental impurities,


the microstructure comprising a primary phase and the remainder other than the primary phase,


the primary phase being a bainite phase having an area fraction of 90% or more,


the remainder being at least one selected from martensite phase, austenite phase and ferrite phase, and having an area fraction 10% or less, and


cementite dispersed in the microstructure having a mass percent of 0.8% or less and an average grain size of 150 nm or less. [6] The high strength hot rolled steel sheet according to the item [5], wherein the composition further contains, on a percent by mass basis, at least one selected from Nb: 0.005% to 0.1%, B: 0.0002% to 0.002%, Cu: 0.005% to 0.3%, Ni: 0.005% to 0.3%, Cr: 0.005% to 0.3%, and Mo: 0.005% to 0.3%.


[7] The high strength hot rolled steel sheet according to the item [5] or item [6], wherein the composition further contains, on a percent by mass basis, at least one selected from Ca: 0.0003% to 0.01% and REM: 0.0003% to 0.01%.


[8] A method for manufacturing a high strength hot rolled steel sheet having excellent hole expansion property, including: heating a steel material, applying hot rolling having rough rolling and finish rolling, applying cooling having two stages of first stage cooling and second stage cooling, and performing coiling to produce a hot rolled steel sheet,


wherein


the steel material is specified to be a steel material having a composition containing, on a percent by mass basis, C: more than 0.1% and 0.2% or less, Si: 1.0% or less, Mn: 1.5% to 2.5%, P: 0.05% or less, S: 0.005% or less, Al: 0.10% or less, N: 0.007% or less, Ti: 0.07% to 0.2%, V: more than 0.1% and 0.3% or less, and the balance being Fe and incidental impurities,


the heating is a treatment to heat the steel material to 1,200° C. or higher,


the finish rolling is rolling with finishing temperature: 850° C. to 950° C.,


the first stage cooling is cooling in which cooling is started within 1.5 s of completion of the above-described finish rolling and cooling to a first stage cooling stop temperature of 500° C. to 600° C. is performed at an average cooling rate of 20° C./s to 80° C./s,


the second stage cooling is cooling in which cooling to a second stage cooling stop temperature of 330° C. to 470° C. is performed at an average cooling rate of 90° C./s or more within 3 s of completion of the above-described first stage cooling, and


after completion of the second stage cooling, coiling is performed, where the coiling temperature is the second stage cooling stop temperature.


[9] The method for manufacturing a high strength hot rolled steel sheet, according to the item [8], wherein the composition further contains, on a percent by mass basis, at least one selected from Nb: 0.005% to 0.1%, B: 0.0002% to 0.002%, Cu: 0.005% to 0.3%, Ni: 0.005% to 0.3%, Cr: 0.005% to 0.3%, and Mo: 0.005% to 0.3%.


[10] The method for manufacturing a high strength hot rolled steel sheet, according to the item [8] or item [9], wherein the composition further contains, on a percent by mass basis, at least one selected from Ca: 0.0003% to 0.01% and REM: 0.0003% to 0.01%.


Toughness


According to an aspect of the present invention, a high strength hot rolled steel sheet having a tensile strength of 980 MPa or more and exhibiting excellent toughness is obtained. Therefore, the car body weight can be reduced while the safety of the automobile is ensured and an environmental load can be reduced by applying the present invention to structural parts and frameworks of automobiles, frames of trucks, and the like. In the case where a welded steel pipe produced from the hot rolled steel sheet according to the present invention serving as a material instead of the UOE pipe produced from a steel plate serving as a material is applied to a transport pipe, the productivity is improved and the cost can be further reduced.


Also, the present invention can stably produce a hot rolled steel sheet exhibiting improved toughness while high strength of tensile strength: 980 MPa or more has and, therefore, is very useful for the industry.


Hole Expansion Workability


According to an aspect of the present invention, a hot rolled steel sheet exhibiting considerably improved hole expansion workability can be produced while high strength of tensile strength: 980 MPa or more has, so that an industrially remarkable effect is exerted. Also, effects that the car body weight can be reduced while the safety of the automobile is ensured and an environmental load can be reduced are exerted by applying the hot rolled steel sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention to materials for chassis parts, structural parts and frameworks of automobiles, frames of trucks, and the like.







DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
First Embodiment
Toughness

A first embodiment will be specifically described below.


To begin with, reasons for the limitation of the chemical composition of the hot rolled steel sheet according to an aspect of the present invention will be described. Hereafter the term “%” representing the chemical composition refers to “percent by mass” unless otherwise specified.


C: 0.05% or more and 0.18% or less


C enhances the strength of the steel and facilitates formation of bainite. Therefore, in an embodiment of the present invention, it is useful that the C content be 0.05% or more. On the other hand, if the C content is more than 0.18%, formation control of bainite becomes difficult, formation of hard martensite increases, and the toughness of the hot rolled steel sheet is degraded. Consequently, the C content may be specified to be 0.05% or more and 0.18% or less, preferably 0.08% or more and 0.17% or less, and more preferably more than 0.10% and 0.16% or less. In this regard, in the case where the amount of Mn is 2.5% or more and 3.5% or less, the amount of C is preferably 0.06% or more and 0.15% or less.


Si: 1.0% or less


Si is an element which suppresses coarse oxides and cementite to impair the toughness and which contributes to solute strengthening. If the content is more than 1.0%, the surface quality of the hot rolled steel sheet can be degraded significantly and degradation in the chemical conversion treatability and the corrosion resistance is caused. Therefore, the Si content may be specified to be 1.0% or less, and preferably 0.4% or more and 0.8% or less.


Mn: 1.0% or more and 3.5% or less


Mn is an element which contributes to enhancement of strength of the steel through solid solution and which facilitates formation of bainite through improvement of the hardenability. In order to obtain such effects, it is beneficial that the Mn content be 1.0% or more. On the other hand, if the Mn content is more than 3.5%, center segregation becomes considerable, and the toughness of the hot rolled steel sheet is degraded. Therefore, the Mn content may be specified to be 1.0% or more and 3.5% or less. In this regard, 1.5% or more and 3.0% or less is preferable and 1.8% or more and 2.5% or less is more preferable.


P: 0.04% or less


P is an element which contributes to enhancement of strength of the steel through solid solution but is an element which segregates at grain boundaries, in particular prior-austenite grain boundaries, to cause degradation in low-temperature toughness and workability. Consequently, it is preferable that the P content be minimized, although the content up to 0.04% can be allowable. Therefore, the P content may be specified to be 0.04% or less. However, when the P content is excessively reduced, an effect corresponding to an increase in the smelting cost is not obtained, so that the P content is specified to be preferably 0.003% or more and 0.03% or less, and more preferably 0.005% or more and 0.02% or less.


S: 0.006% or less


S forms coarse sulfides by bonding to Ti and Mn and degrades the workability of the hot rolled steel sheet. Consequently, it is preferable that the S content be minimized, although the content up to 0.006% can be allowable. Therefore, the S content may be specified to be 0.006% or less. However, when the S content is excessively reduced, an effect corresponding to an increase in the smelting cost is not obtained, so that the S content is specified to be preferably 0.0003% or more and 0.004% or less, and more preferably 0.0005% or more and 0.002% or less.


Al: 0.10% or less


Al is an element which functions as a deoxidizing agent and which is effective in improving cleanliness of the steel. On the other hand, excessive addition of Al causes increases in oxide inclusions, degrades the toughness of the hot rolled steel sheet and, in addition, causes an occurrence of flaw. Therefore, the Al content may be specified to be 0.10% or less, preferably 0.005% or more and 0.08% or less, and further preferably 0.01% or more and 0.05% or less.


N: 0.008% or less


Ni precipitates as nitrides by bonding to nitride-forming elements and contributes to making crystal grains fine. However, N bonds to Ti at a high temperature to form coarse nitrides easily and degrades the toughness of the hot rolled steel sheet. Consequently, the N content may be specified to be 0.008% or less, preferably 0.001% or more and 0.006% or less, and more preferably 0.002% or more and 0.005% or less.


Ti: 0.05% or more and 0.20% or less


Ti is a beneficial element in an embodiment of the present invention. Ti contributes to enhancement of strength of the steel through formation of carbonitrides to make crystal grains fine and through precipitation strengthening. Also, Ti forms many fine (Ti,V)C clusters at low temperatures of 300° C. or higher and 450° C. or lower, reduces the amount of cementite in the steel, and improve the toughness of the hot rolled steel sheet. In order to exert such effects, it is advantageous that the Ti content be 0.05% or more. On the other hand, if the Ti content is excessive and is more than 0.20%, the above-described effects are saturated, an increase in coarse precipitates is caused, and degradation in the toughness of the hot rolled steel sheet is caused. Therefore, the Ti content may be limited to within the range of 0.05% or more and 0.20% or less, and preferably 0.08% or more and 0.15% or less.


V: more than 0.1% and 0.3% or less


V is a beneficial element in an embodiment of the present invention. V contributes to enhancement of strength of the steel through formation of carbonitrides to make crystal grains fine and through precipitation strengthening. Also, V improves the hardenability and contributes to formation and making fine of bainite phase. In addition, V forms many fine (Ti,V)C clusters at low temperatures of 300° C. or higher and 450° C. or lower, reduces the amount of cementite in the steel, and improves the toughness of the hot rolled steel sheet. In order to exert such effects, it is advantageous that the V content be more than 0.1%. On the other hand, if the V content is excessive and is more than 0.3%, the above-described effects are saturated, so that the cost increases. Therefore, the V content may be limited to within the range of more than 0.1% and 0.3% or less, and preferably 0.15% or more and 0.25% or less.


The basic components of the hot rolled steel sheet according to an aspect of the present invention are as described above. The hot rolled steel sheet according to embodiments of the present invention may further contain, as necessary, at least one selected from Nb: 0.005% or more and 0.4% or less, B: 0.0002% or more and 0.0020% or less, Cu: 0.005% or more and 0.2% or less, Ni: 0.005% or more and 0.2% or less, Cr: 0.005% or more and 0.4% or less, and Mo: 0.005% or more and 0.4% or less for the purpose of, for example, improvement of toughness and enhancement of strength.


Nb: 0.005% or more and 0.4% or less


Nb is an element which contributes to enhancement of strength of the steel through formation of carbonitrides. In order to exert such an effect, it is preferable that the Nb content be 0.005% or more. On the other hand, if the Nb content is more than 0.4%, deformation resistance increases, so that a rolling force of hot rolling increases in production of the hot rolled steel sheet, a load to a rolling mill becomes too large, and rolling operation in itself may become difficult. Meanwhile, if the Nb content is more than 0.4%, coarse precipitates are formed and the toughness of the hot rolled steel sheet tends to be degraded. Therefore, the Nb content is preferably specified to be 0.005% or more and 0.4% or less. In this regard, 0.01% or more and 0.3% or less is more preferable and 0.02% or more and 0.2% or less is further preferable.


B: 0.0002% or more and 0.0020% or less


B is an element which segregates at austenite grain boundaries and which suppresses formation and growth of ferrite. Also, B is an element which improves the hardenability and which contributes to formation and making fine of bainite phase. In order to exert these effects, it is preferable that the B content be 0.0002% or more. However, if the B content is more than 0.0020%, formation of martensite phase is facilitated, so that the toughness of the hot rolled steel sheet may be degraded significantly. Therefore, in the case where B is contained, the content thereof is specified to be preferably 0.0002% or more and 0.0020% or less. In this regard, 0.0004% or more and 0.0012% or less is more preferable.


Cu: 0.005% or more and 0.2% or less


Cu is an element which contributes to enhancement of strength of the steel through solid solution. Also, Cu is an element which has a function of improving hardenability, which lowers, in particular, the bainite transformation temperature, and which contributes to making bainite phase fine. In order to obtain these effects, it is preferable that the Cu content be 0.005% or more, although if the content thereof is more than 0.2%, degradation in the surface quality of the hot rolled steel sheet is caused. Therefore, the Cu content is specified to be preferably 0.005% or more and 0.2% or less. In this regard, 0.01% or more and 0.15% or less is more preferable.


Ni: 0.005% or more and 0.2% or less


Ni is an element which contributes to enhancement of strength of the steel through solid solution. Also, Ni has a function of improving hardenability and facilitates formation of bainite phase. In order to obtain these effects, it is preferable that the Ni content be 0.005% or more. However, if the Ni content is more than 0.2%, a martensite phase is generated easily, and the toughness of the hot rolled steel sheet may be degraded significantly. Therefore, the Ni content is specified to be preferably 0.005% or more and 0.2% or less, and more preferably 0.01% or more and 0.15% or less.


Cr: 0.005% or more and 0.4% or less


Cr forms carbides and contributes to enhancement of strength of the hot rolled steel sheet. In order to exert this effect, it is preferable that the Cr content be 0.005% or more. On the other hand, if the Cr content is excessive and is more than 0.4%, it is feared that the corrosion resistance of the hot rolled steel sheet is degraded. Therefore, the Cr content is specified to be preferably 0.005% or more and 0.4% or less, and more preferably 0.01% or more and 0.2% or less.


Mo: 0.005% or more and 0.4% or less


Mo facilitates formation of bainite phase through improvement of the hardenability and contributes to improvement of the toughness and enhancement of strength of the hot rolled steel sheet. In order to obtain such effects, it is preferable that the Mo content be 0.005% or more. However, if the Mo content is more than 0.4%, a martensite phase is generated easily, and the toughness of the hot rolled steel sheet may be degraded. Therefore, the Mo content is specified to be preferably 0.005% or more and 0.4% or less, and more preferably 0.01% or more and 0.2% or less.


Meanwhile, the hot rolled steel sheet according to the present invention may contain, as necessary, one or two selected from Ca: 0.0002% or more and 0.01% or less and REM: 0.0002% or more and 0.01% or less.


Ca: 0.0002% or more and 0.01% or less


Ca is effective in controlling the shape of sulfide inclusions and improving bending workability and the toughness of the hot rolled steel sheet. In order to exert these effects, it is preferable that the Ca content be 0.0002% or more. However, if the Ca content is more than 0.01%, surface defects of the hot rolled steel sheet may be caused. Therefore, the Ca content is specified to be preferably 0.0002% or more and 0.01% or less. In this regard, 0.0004% or more and 0.005% or less is more preferable.


REM: 0.0002% or more and 0.01% or less


As with Ca, REM controls the shape of sulfide inclusions and improves adverse influences of sulfide inclusions on the bending workability and the toughness of the hot rolled steel sheet. In order to exert these effects, it is preferable that the REM content be 0.0002% or more. However, if the REM content is excessive and is more than 0.01%, the cleanliness of the steel tends to be degraded and the toughness of the hot rolled steel sheet tends to be degraded. Therefore, in the case where REM is contained, the content thereof is specified to be preferably 0.0002% or more and 0.01% or less. In this regard, 0.0004% or more and 0.005% or less is more preferable.


In an embodiment of the present invention, the remainder other than those described above is composed of Fe and incidental impurities. Examples of incidental impurities include Sb, Sn, and Zn. As for contents of them, Sb: 0.01% or less, Sn: 0.1% or less, and Zn: 0.01% or less are allowable.


Next, reasons for the limitation of the microstructure of the hot rolled steel sheet according to an aspect of the present invention will be described.


The hot rolled steel sheet according to an embodiment the present invention has a microstructure in which a primary phase is more than 85% on an area fraction basis of bainite phase, a secondary phase is at least one of ferrite phase, martensite phase, and retained austenite phase, 0% or more and less than 15% in total on an area fraction basis of secondary phase is contained, the average lath interval of laths of the above-described bainite phase may be 400 nm or less, and the average long axis length of the above-described laths may be 5.0 μm or less.


Fraction of bainite phase: more than 85% on an area fraction basis


The primary phase of the hot rolled steel sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention is a bainite phase having excellent strength-toughness balance. If the fraction of the bainite phase is 85% or less on an area fraction basis, a hot rolled steel sheet provided with predetermined strength and toughness may not be obtained. Therefore, the fraction of the bainite phase may be specified to be more than 85% on an area fraction basis, preferably 87% or more, and more preferably 90% or more. It is still more preferable that the fraction of the bainite phase be 100% on an area fraction basis and the microstructure be a bainite single phase microstructure.


Fraction of at least one of ferrite phase, martensite phase, and retained austenite phase (secondary phase): 0% or more and less than 15% in total on an area fraction basis


The hot rolled steel sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a secondary phase, which is composed of at least one of ferrite phase, martensite phase, and retained austenite phase, as a microstructure other than the bainite phase serving as the primary phase. The microstructure is specified to be preferably a bainite single phase microstructure to impart predetermined strength and toughness to the hot rolled steel sheet. However, even in the case where at least one of ferrite phase, martensite phase, and retained austenite phase is included as the secondary phase, the total fraction of them of less than 15% on an area fraction basis is allowable. Therefore, the fraction of the above-described secondary phase in total is specified to be 0% or more and less than 15% on an area fraction basis, preferably 13% or less, and more preferably 11% or less.


Average lath interval of laths of bainite phase: 400 nm or less


Average long axis length of laths of bainite phase: 5.0 μm or less


It is very beneficial for enhancement of strength and enhancement of toughness of the hot rolled steel sheet to make laths of bainite phase fine. The present inventors found that the sizes of laths of bainite phase, specifically, the lath interval and the long axis length of the lath, were factors which influenced greatly the strength and the toughness of the hot rolled steel sheet. Consequently, in aspects of the present invention, predetermined strength and toughness are added to the hot rolled steel sheet by specifying the lath interval and the long axis length of the lath of bainite phase.


In the case where the average lath interval of laths of the bainite phase is more than 400 nm or the average long axis length of laths of the bainite phase is more than 5.0 μm, a hot rolled steel sheet exhibiting predetermined strength and toughness according to an embodiment of the present invention in combination may not be obtained. Therefore, the average lath interval of laths of the bainite phase may be specified to be 400 nm or less, and preferably 350 nm or less. Also, the average long axis length of laths of the bainite phase is specified to be 5.0 μm or less, and preferably 4.0 μm or less. In this regard, lower limits of the average lath interval of laths of the bainite and the average long axis length of laths of the bainite phase are not particularly specified. The lath interval and the long axis length are determined on the basis of the bainite transformation temperature and, therefore, usually the average lath interval of laths of the bainite phase is 100 nm or more and the average long axis length of laths of the bainite phase is 1.0 μm or more.


A high strength hot rolled steel sheet having a tensile strength of 980 MPa or more and having toughness required of a material for structural parts of automobiles and a material for steel pipes, e.g., line pipes, is obtained by specifying the composition and the microstructure, as described above. In this regard, the sheet thickness of the hot rolled steel sheet according to the present invention is not specifically limited, although the sheet thickness is specified to be preferably about 4 mm or more and 15 mm or less.


Next, a preferable method for manufacturing the hot rolled steel sheet according to an aspect of the present invention will be described.


Embodiments of the present invention may be characterized by heating a steel having the above-described composition to 1,200° C. or higher, applying hot rolling composed of rough rolling and finish rolling in which the accumulated rolling reduction is 50% or more in a temperature range of 1,000° C. or lower and the finishing temperature is 820° C. or higher and 930° C. or lower, starting cooling within 4.0 s of the hot rolling, performing cooling at an average cooling rate of 20° C./s or more, and performing coiling at a coiling temperature of 300° C. or higher and 450° C. or lower.


The method for manufacturing a steel is not necessarily particularly limited, and any common method can be applied, wherein a molten steel having the above-described composition is refined in a converter or the like, and a steel, e.g., a slab, is produced by a casting method, e.g., a continuous casting method. In this regard, an ingot-making and blooming method may be used.


Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, electro-magnetic stirrer (EMS), intentional bulging soft reduction casting (IBSR), and the like can be applied to reduce component segregation of the steel during continuous casting. Equiaxial crystals are formed in the sheet thickness center portion by applying an electro-magnetic stirrer treatment, so that segregation can be reduced. Also, in the case where the intentional bulging soft reduction casting is applied, segregation in the sheet thickness center portion can be reduced by preventing flowing of the molten steel in an unsolidified portion of the continuous casting slab. The toughness described below can be brought to a more excellent level by applying at least one of these segregation reduction treatments.


Heating temperature of steel: 1,200° C. or higher


In steel material, e.g., a slab, most of carbonitride-forming elements, e.g., Ti, are present as coarse carbonitrides. The presence of these coarse nonuniform precipitates causes degradation in various characteristics (for example, strength, toughness, and hole expansion workability) of the hot rolled steel sheet. Consequently, the steel material before hot rolling is heated to allow coarse precipitates to form solid solutions. In order to allow these coarse precipitates to form solid solutions sufficiently, it is advantageous that the heating temperature of the steel be 1,200° C. or higher. However, if the heating temperature of the steel is too high, an occurrence of slab flaw and reduction in yield due to scale-off are caused. Therefore, the heating temperature of the steel is specified to be preferably 1,350° C. or lower, and more preferably 1,220° C. or higher and 1,300° C. or lower.


In this regard, the steel material may be heated to the heating temperature of 1,200° C. or higher and is held for a predetermined time. If the holding time is more than 4,800 seconds, the amount of generation of scale increases and, as a result, scale biting and the like occurs easily in the following hot rolling step, and the surface quality of the hot rolled steel sheet tends to be degraded. Therefore, the holding time of the steel material in the temperature range of 1,200° C. or higher is specified to be preferably 4,800 seconds or less, and more preferably 4,000 seconds or less.


Following the heating of the steel material, the steel material may be subjected to hot rolling having rough rolling and finish rolling. The condition of the rough rolling is not specifically limited insofar as predetermined sheet bar dimensions are ensured. Following the rough rolling, the finish rolling is applied. In this regard, preferably, descaling is performed before the finish rolling or between stands during rolling. In the finish rolling, the accumulated rolling reduction may be specified to be 50% or more in a temperature range of 1,000° C. or lower and the finishing temperature may be specified to be 820° C. or higher and 930° C. or lower.


Accumulated rolling reduction in temperature range of 1,000° C. or lower: 50% or more


In order to make laths of the bainite phase fine, it is advantageous that the rolling reduction in a relatively low temperature range be increased and crystal grains after rolling be allowed to become crystal grains elongated in the rolling direction (crystal grains having a high elongation rate). If the accumulated rolling reduction at 1,000° C. or lower is less than 50%, it becomes difficult to make bainite having a predetermined lath structure (e.g., average lath interval: 400 nm or less, average long axis length: 5.0 μm or less), and the toughness of the hot rolled steel sheet is degraded. Therefore, the accumulated rolling reduction at 1,000° C. or lower may be specified to be 50% or more, and preferably 60% or more. However, if the accumulated rolling reduction in a temperature range of 1,000° C. or lower is excessively high, crystal grains are excessively elongated in the rolling direction and ferrite is generated easily, so that it may also be difficult to make bainite having a predetermined lath structure. Consequently, the accumulated rolling reduction in a temperature range of 1,000° C. or lower is specified to be preferably 80% or less.


Finishing temperature: 820° C. or higher and 930° C. or lower


If the finishing temperature of the finishing rolling is lower than 820° C., rolling is performed at a temperature of two-phase region of ferrite+austenite, so that a deformation microstructure remains after rolling and the toughness of the hot rolled steel sheet is degraded. On the other hand, if the finishing temperature is higher than 930° C., austenite grains grow, and a bainite phase of the hot rolled steel sheet obtained after cooling is coarsened. As a result, it becomes difficult to make a predetermined microstructure, and the toughness of the hot rolled steel sheet is degraded. Therefore, the finishing temperature may be specified to be 820° C. or higher and 930° C. or lower, and preferably 840° C. or higher and 920° C. or lower. Here, the finishing temperature refers to the surface temperature of a sheet.


Start of forced cooling: within 4.0 s of completion of finish rolling


Forced cooling may be started within 4.0 s of, preferably just after, completion of the finish rolling, cooling may be stopped at the coiling temperature, and coiling into the shape of a coil is performed. If the time from completion of the finish rolling to start of the forced cooling is more than 4.0 s and is long, austenite grains become coarse, and a bainite phase is coarsened. Also, austenite grains become coarse, so that the hardenability of the steel sheet increases and a martensite phase is generated easily. In the case where the bainite phase is coarsened and the martensite phase is generated easily, predetermined excellent toughness may not be obtained. Therefore, the forced cooling start time is limited to within 4.0 s of completion of the finish rolling.


Average cooling rate: 20° C./s or more


If the average cooling rate from the finishing temperature to the coiling temperature is less than 20° C./s, a bainite phase having a predetermined area fraction may not be obtained. Therefore, the above-described average cooling rate may be specified to be 20° C./s or more, and preferably 30° C./s or more. The upper limit of the average cooling rate is not particularly specified. However, if the average cooling rate is too large, the surface temperature becomes too low, and martensite is generated on the steel sheet surface easily. Therefore, the average cooling rate is specified to be preferably 60° C./s or less. In this regard, the above-described average cooling rate is specified to be an average cooling rate of the steel sheet surface.


Coiling temperature: 300° C. or higher and 450° C. or lower


If the coiling temperature is lower than 300° C., hard martensite phase and retained austenite phase are formed in the microstructure of the inside of the steel sheet. As a result, the hot rolled steel sheet may not be made a predetermined microstructure and predetermined toughness may not be obtained. On the other hand, if the coiling temperature is more than 450° C., ferrite and pearlite increase in the microstructure of the inside of the steel sheet. As a result, the lath interval of the bainite phase increases and, thereby, the toughness of the hot rolled steel sheet is degraded significantly. For the above-described reasons, the coiling temperature is specified to be within the range of 300° C. or higher and 450° C. or lower, and preferably 330° C. or higher and 430° C. or lower.


In this regard, after the coiling, the hot rolled steel sheet may be subjected to temper rolling following the common method or be subjected to pickling to remove scale formed on the surface. Alternatively, a galvanization process, e.g., hot dip galvanizing or electrogalvanizing, and a chemical conversion treatment may further be applied.


Example 1

A molten steel having the composition shown in Table 1 was refined in a converter, and a slab (steel) was produced by a continuous casting method. In the continuous casting, those other than Hot rolled steel sheet No. 1′ of Steel A1 in Tables 1 to 3 described below were subjected to electro-magnetic stirrer (EMS) for the purpose of segregation reduction treatment of the components. Subsequently, these steel materials were heated under the conditions shown in Table 2, and were subjected to hot rolling having rough rolling and finish rolling under the conditions shown in Table 2. After the finish rolling was completed, cooling was performed under the conditions shown in Table 2, and coiling was performed at coiling temperatures shown in Table 2, so that hot rolled steel sheets having sheet thicknesses shown in Table 2 were produced.


Test pieces were taken from the resulting hot rolled steel sheets, and microstructure observation, a tensile test, and a Charpy impact test were performed. The microstructure observation method and various testing methods were as described below.


(i) Microstructure Observation

Fraction of Microstructure


A test piece for a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was taken from the hot rolled steel sheet, a sheet thickness cross-section parallel to the rolling direction was polished and, thereafter, the microstructure was allowed to appear with a corrosive liquid (3% nital solution). Photographs were taken in three fields of view of each of the position at one-quarter of the sheet thickness and the position at one-half of the sheet thickness (center position of the sheet thickness) with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) at the magnification of 3,000 times, and the area fraction of each phase was quantified on the basis of an image treatment.


Lath Interval of Laths of Bainite Phase


A test piece having size: 10 mm×15 mm was taken from the hot rolled steel sheet, thin film samples for transmission electron microscope (TEM) observation of the position at one-quarter of the sheet thickness and the position at one-half of the sheet thickness (center position of the sheet thickness) were produced, and photographs were taken in ten fields of view of each position with TEM at the magnification of 30,000 times. Five straight lines at intervals of 10 mm were drawn at right angles to long axes of at least three laths which were shown in each photograph having a size of 120 mm×80 mm and which were successively arranged side by side. The length of each line segment between the intersection points of the straight line and the lath boundary was measured and the average value of the resulting lengths of the segments was specified to be the average lath interval.


Long Axis Length of Lath of Bainite Phase


A test piece for a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was taken from the hot rolled steel sheet, a sheet thickness cross-section parallel to the rolling direction was polished and, thereafter, the microstructure was allowed to appear with a corrosive liquid (3% nital solution). Photographs were taken in five fields of view of each of the position at one-quarter of the sheet thickness and the position at one-half of the sheet thickness (center position of the sheet thickness) with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) at the magnification of 10,000 times. The lengths of long axes of at least 10 laths which were shown in each photograph, where at least three laths were successively arranged side by side, were measured and the average value of the resulting lath long axis lengths was specified to be the average lath long axis length.


(ii) Tensile Test

JIS No. 5 test pieces (GL: 50 mm) were taken from the hot rolled steel sheet in such a way that the tensile direction and the rolling direction form a right angle. A tensile test was performed in conformity with JIS Z 2241 (2011) and the yield strength (yield point) YP, the tensile strength (TS), and the total elongation El were determined.


(iii) Charpy Impact Test


A subsize test piece (V-notch) having a thickness of 5 mm was taken from the hot rolled steel sheet in such a way that the longitudinal direction of the test piece and the rolling direction form a right angle. A Charpy impact test was performed in conformity with JIS Z 2242, the Charpy impact value (vE−50) at a temperature of −50° C. was measured, and the toughness was evaluated. Here, the hot rolled steel sheet having a sheet thickness of more than 5 mm was subjected to double-side polishing to produce a test piece having a sheet thickness of 5 mm. As for the hot rolled steel sheet having a sheet thickness of 5 mm or less, a test piece having the original sheet thickness was produced. Then, the test pieces were subjected to the charpy impact test. In the case where the measured vE−50 value was 40 J or more, the toughness was evaluated as good.


The obtained results are shown in Table 3 and Table 4.












TABLE 1









Chemical composition (percent by mass)




Remainder: Fe and incidental impurities


















Steel
C
Si
Mn
P
S
Al
N
Ti
V
Others
Remarks





A1
0.06
0.3
3.3
0.017
0.0017
0.073
0.0038
0.15
0.20

Invention steel


B1
0.15
0.7
2.0
0.037
0.0032
0.036
0.0026
0.12
0.20

Invention steel



C1


0.21

0.8
2.2
0.026
0.0006
0.042
0.0033
0.10
0.15

Comparative steel



D1

0.14

1.3

2.0
0.005
0.0009
0.043
0.0042
0.11
0.30

Comparative steel


E1
0.15
0.2
2.3
0.026
0.0012
0.022
0.0031
0.12
0.15

Invention steel



F1

0.14
0.5

3.8

0.018
0.0006
0.038
0.0039
0.09
0.25

Comparative steel



G1


0.04

0.7
2.0
0.021
0.0028
0.031
0.0025

0.03

0.20

Comparative steel



H1


0.04

0.9
1.6
0.022
0.0015
0.028
0.0037

0.23

0.11

Comparative steel



I1

0.13
0.6
1.6
0.016
0.0010
0.010
0.0028
0.17

0.05


Comparative steel


J1
0.15
0.8
1.8
0.025
0.0010
0.047
0.0029
0.06
0.25

Invention steel


K1
0.15
0.3
3.0
0.027
0.0008
0.067
0.0074
0.08
0.20

Invention steel


L1
0.12
0.8
1.3
0.027
0.0021
0.019
0.0039
0.18
0.11

Invention steel


M1
0.18
0.7
1.7
0.016
0.0009
0.055
0.0047
0.09
0.20

Invention steel


N1
0.12
0.4
1.7
0.004
0.0009
0.037
0.0055
0.08
0.15
Nb: 0.02
Invention steel


P1
0.14
0.3
1.8
0.030
0.0008
0.037
0.0070
0.12
0.20
Ni: 0.1, Cr: 0.1
Invention steel


Q1
0.16
0.7
2.1
0.020
0.0011
0.047
0.0041
0.15
0.15
Mo: 0.15
Invention steel


R1
0.15
0.5
1.9
0.035
0.0055
0.005
0.0034
0.11
0.22
B: 0.0005
Invention steel


S1
0.16
0.9
2.4
0.029
0.0016
0.093
0.0033
0.11
0.30
Ca: 0.005
Invention steel


T1
0.15
0.7
2.3
0.017
0.0045
0.031
0.0039
0.11
0.15
REM: 0.005
Invention steel


U1
0.13
0.6
2.2
0.022
0.0035
0.027
0.0037
0.13
0.18
Cu: 0.1
Invention steel



















TABLE 2









Hot rolling condition




















Finish rolling











accumulated


Average





Hot rolled

Slab heating
rolling reduction
Finishing
Cooling
cooling
Coiling
Sheet


steel sheet

temperature
at 1000°
temperature
start time
rate
temperature
thickness


No.
Steel
(° C.)
Cor lower (%)
(° C.)
(s)*
(° C./s)
(° C.)
(mm)
Remarks



















 1
A1
1220
80
920
1
40
360
4
Invention example


  1′

1220
80
910
1
40
360
4
Invention example


2

1220
80
910
1
40

470

4
Comparative example


3

1220
80

800

1
40
430
4
Comparative example


 4
B1
1240
75
910
1.5
35
410
6
Invention example


 5

1220
75
850
1.5
35
380
6
Invention example


6

C1

1220
55
900
3
25
390
12
Comparative example


7

D1

1240
75
880
1.5
35
350
6
Comparative example


8
E1
1220
55

950

2.5
25
370
10
Comparative example


 9

1220
55
920
2.5
25
350
10
Invention example



10


F1

1220
55
840
3
25
380
12
Comparative example



11


G1

1220
60
870
2
30
320
8
Comparative example



12


H1

1240
50
910
3.5
20
430
14
Comparative example



13


I1

1220
75
880
1.5
35
380
6
Comparative example



14

J1
1220

45

910
3.5
20
400
14
Comparative example


15

1220
50
880
3.5
20
310
14
Invention example



16

K1
1240
75
900
1.5

10

370
6
Comparative example


17

1220
75
920
1.5
30
350
6
Invention example


18
L1
1280
80
890
1
35
380
4
Invention example



19



1170

80
850
1
40
430
4
Comparative example



20

M1
1260
60
900
2
30

280

8
Comparative example


21

1220
60
900
2
30
350
8
Invention example


22
N1
1220
55
920
3
25
330
12
Invention example


23
P1
1200
60
840
2
30
410
8
Invention example


24
Q1
1280
80
910
1
40
380
4
Invention example


25
R1
1220
80
880
1
35
350
4
Invention example


26
S1
1220
75
840
1.5
35
360
6
Invention example


27
T1
1220
75
910
1.5
35
390
6
Invention example


28
U1
1220
75
870
1.5
45
370
6
Invention example





*time from completion of finish rolling to start of forced cooling
















TABLE 3









Microstructure of hot rolled steel sheet**

















F + M + γarea
B average lath interval






B area fraction (%)
fraction (%)
(nm)
B lath average long axis
















Hot rolled

¼ of

¼ of

¼ of

length (μm)


















steel sheet

sheet
½ of sheet
sheet
½ of sheet
sheet
½ of sheet
¼ of sheet
½ of sheet



No.
Steel
thickness
thickness
thickness
thickness
thickness
thickness
thickness
thickness
Remarks





 1
A1
88
90
12
10
260
290
2.9
3.5
Invention example


  1′

89
91
11
 9
270
300
3.0
3.7
Invention example


2


83


84


17


16

290
320
2.8
3.4
Comparative example


3


82


83


18


17

280
310
2.2
2.5
Comparative example


 4
B1
86
88
14
12
340
370
3.2
3.9
Invention example


 5

87
89
13
11
330
350
2.8
3.1
Invention example


6

C1

87
90
13
10
380
400
4.6
4.9
Comparative example


7

D1

88
91
12
 9
350
370
3.4
3.8
Comparative example


8
E1
88
90
12
10
330
360

5.2


5.8

Comparative example


 9

88
90
12
10
320
350
4.5
4.9
Invention example



10


F1

87
91
13
 9
360
380
4.2
4.6
Comparative example



11


G1

89
92
11
 8
350
380

5.3


6.1

Comparative example



12


H1

86
88
14
12

520


560

4.2
4.7
Comparative example



13


I1

87
91
13
 9
370
390
3.9
4.8
Comparative example



14

J1
87
90
13
10

420


440


5.7


6.5

Comparative example


15

90
92
10
 8
380
390
4.6
4.9
Invention example



16

K1

81


84


19


16


410


440

3.3
3.8
Comparative example


17

88
92
12
 8
280
330
3.5
3.9
Invention example


18
L1
87
88
13
12
370
380
2.8
3.5
Invention example



19


86
88
14
12
370
390
2.6
3.1
Comparative example



20

M1

82


85


18


15

310
350
4.1
4.8
Comparative example


21

88
90
12
10
340
370
4.1
4.7
Invention example


22
N1
89
91
11
 9
370
390
3.4
4.1
Invention example


23
P1
86
89
14
11
310
350
3.4
3.9
Invention example


24
Q1
87
88
13
12
300
340
3.0
3.5
Invention example


25
R1
88
90
12
10
290
330
2.8
3.2
Invention example


26
S1
88
91
12
 9
290
320
2.5
2.9
Invention example


27
T1
87
90
13
10
340
380
3.4
3.6
Invention example


28
U1
91
93
 9
 7
320
350
2.9
3.3
Invention example





**B: bainite phase, F: ferrite phase, M: martensite phase, γ: retained austenite phase
















TABLE 4









Mechanical characteristics of hot



Hot

rolled steel sheet













rolled

Yield
Tensile
Total




steel

stress
strength
elon-




sheet

YP
TS
gation
vE−50


No.
Steel
(Mpa)
(Mpa)
El (%)
(J)
Remarks





 1
A1
961
1117
12.8
67
Invention example


  1′

965
1119
11.8
62
Invention example


2

809
 982
12.9
28
Comparative example


3

820
1012
11.7
31
Comparative example


 4
B1
829
 983
15.0
46
Invention example


 5

877
1028
14.8
53
Invention example


6

C1

842
 990
17.3
31
Comparative example


7

D1

999
1157
13.5
36
Comparative example


8
E1
846
 988
17.1
28
Comparative example


 9

879
1018
16.9
47
Invention example



10


F1

915
1072
16.0
27
Comparative example



11


G1

847
970
17.6
29
Comparative example



12


H1

894
1069
15.7
15
Comparative example



13


I1

862
1011
15.0
30
Comparative example



14

J1
786
928
18.9
19
Comparative example


15

932
1063
17.8
47
Invention example



16

K1
804
 993
13.2
18
Comparative example


17

883
1023
15.3
68
Invention example


18
L1
899
1053
13.3
45
Invention example



19


819
978
13.6
34
Comparative example



20

M1
920
1122
12.5
23
Comparative example


21

878
1017
16.2
48
Invention example


22
N1
883
1014
17.8
60
Invention example


23
P1
836
 992
15.7
43
Invention example


24
Q1
942
1104
12.6
52
Invention example


25
R1
942
1091
13.3
72
Invention example


26
S1
967
1124
13.7
69
Invention example


27
T1
844
 993
15.2
44
Invention example


28
U1
923
1078
14.2
50
Invention example









The hot rolled steel sheets of Invention examples are hot rolled steel sheets having predetermined strength (e.g., TS: 980 MPa or more) and excellent toughness (e.g., vE−50 value: 40 J or more) in combination. Also, the hot rolled steel sheets of Invention examples have predetermined strength and excellent toughness at each of the position at ¼ of sheet thickness and the position at ½ of sheet thickness (sheet thickness center position) and, therefore, are hot rolled steel sheets having good characteristics in the entire region in the sheet thickness direction. On the other hand, the hot rolled steel sheets of Comparative examples out of the preferable scope of the present invention are unable to obtained predetermined strength or are unable to obtained sufficient toughness.


Second Embodiment
Hole Expansion Workability

To begin with, reasons for the limitation of the composition of the hot rolled steel sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this regard, the term “%” representing the content of each component element refers to “percent by mass” unless otherwise specified.


C: more than 0.1% and 0.2% or less


C is a beneficial element in an embodiment of the present invention having a function of facilitating formation of bainite and enhancing strength of the steel. In order to obtain such effects, it is advantageous that the C content be more than 0.1%. On the other hand, C bonds to Fe to form cementite, so that if the C content is excessive, the number of cementite grains is increased, the distances between the cementite grains serving as starting points of voids are reduced, the local ductility is degraded, and the hole expansion workability is degraded. Also, if the C content is excessive and, e.g., is more than 0.2%, the weldability is degraded. Consequently, C may be limited to within the range of more than 0.1% and 0.2% or less. In this regard, 0.12% to 0.17% is preferable.


Si: 1.0% or less


Si is an element which contributes to enhancement of strength of the steel through solid solution and which has a function of suppressing generation of coarse cementite and, therefore, is a beneficial element in an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, Si increases the intervals between cementite grains serving as starting points of voids through the function of suppressing generation of coarse cementite and, thereby, contributes to improvement of the local ductility and the hole expansion workability. In order to obtain such effects, the content is desirably 0.1% or more. On the other hand, if the content is more than 1.0%, the surface quality of the steel sheet is degraded significantly, and degradation in the chemical conversion treatability and the corrosion resistance may be caused. Therefore, Si may be limited to 1.0% or less. In this regard, 0.5% to 0.9% is preferable.


Mn: 1.5% to 2.5%


Mn is an element which contributes to enhancement of strength of the steel through solid solution and, in addition, which facilitates formation of a bainite phase through improvement of the hardenability. In order to obtain such effects, it is advantageous that the Mn content be 1.5% or more. On the other hand, if the Mn content is more than 2.5%, center segregation becomes significant, appearances of punched surface of the steel sheet are degraded, and the hole expansion workability may be degraded. Consequently, the amount of Mn may be specified to be within the range of 1.5% to 2.5%. In this regard, the range of 1.7% to 2.2% is preferable.


P: 0.05% or less


P contributes to enhancement of strength of the steel through solid solution but segregates at grain boundaries, in particular prior-austenite grain boundaries, to cause degradation in low-temperature toughness and workability. Consequently, it is preferable that P be minimized, although the content up to 0.05% can be allowable. Therefore, P may be specified to be 0.05% or less. In this regard, 0.03% or less is preferable, and 0.02% or less is further preferable.


S: 0.005% or less


S forms coarse sulfides by bonding to Ti and Mn and degrades the workability. Consequently, it is preferable that S be minimized, although the content up to 0.005% can be allowable. Therefore, S may be limited to 0.005% or less. In this regard, 0.003% or less is preferable, and 0.001% or less is further preferable.


Al: 0.10% or less


Al is an element which functions as a deoxidizing agent and which is effective in improving cleanliness of the steel. In order to obtain such effects, the content is desirably 0.005% or more. On the other hand, if the content is excessive and is, e.g., more than 0.10%, increases in oxide inclusions are caused, an occurrence of flaw is caused and, in addition, the workability of the steel sheet is degraded. Therefore, Al may be limited to 0.10% or less. In this regard, 0.01% to 0.05% is preferable.


N: 0.007% or less


N precipitates as nitrides by bonding to nitride-forming elements and contributes to making crystal grains fine. However, N bonds to Ti at a high temperature to form coarse nitrides easily and serves as a starting point of a void during hole expansion working easily. Consequently, N is preferably minimized in an embodiment of the present invention, although up to 0.007% can be allowable. Therefore, N may be limited to 0.007% or less. In this regard, 0.006% or less is preferable, and 0.005% or less is further preferable.


Ti: 0.07% to 0.2%


Ti contributes to enhancement of strength of the steel through formation of carbonitrides to make crystal grains fine and through precipitation strengthening. Also, Ti forms many fine (Ti,V)C clusters at a temperature range of about 300° C. to 500° C. (coiling temperature), has a function of reducing the amount of cementite in the steel, and is a beneficial element in and embodiment of the present invention. In order to exert such effects, it is advantageous that the content be 0.07% or more. On the other hand, if the content is excessive and is more than 0.2%, the above-described effects are saturated, increases in coarse precipitates are caused, and degradation in the hole expansion workability may be caused. Also, Ti facilitates formation of a ferrite phase, so that a predetermined microstructure cannot be obtained and the hole expansion workability is degraded. Therefore, Ti may be limited to within the range of 0.07% to 0.2%. In this regard, 0.1% to 0.15% is preferable.


V: more than 0.1% and 0.3% or less


V is an element which contributes to enhancement of strength of the steel through formation of carbonitrides to make crystal grains fine and through precipitation strengthening and which also contributes to formation and making fine of bainite phase through an improvement of the hardenability. In addition, V forms many fine (Ti,V)C clusters in a temperature range of about 300° C. to 500° C. (coiling temperature), has a function of reducing the amount of cementite in the steel, and is a beneficial element in an embodiment of the present invention. In order to exert such effects, it is advantageous that the content be more than 0.1%. On the other hand, if the content is excessive and is more than 0.3%, the ductility may be degraded and, in addition, an increase in the cost is caused. Therefore, V may be limited to within the range of more than 0.1% and 0.3% or less. In this regard, 0.13% to 0.27% is preferable and 0.15% to 0.25% is further preferable.


The above-described components are the basic components. In the present invention, besides the basic composition, as necessary, at least one selected from Nb: 0.005% to 0.1%, B: 0.0002% to 0.002%, Cu: 0.005% to 0.3%, Ni: 0.005% to 0.3%, Cr: 0.005% to 0.3%, and Mo: 0.005% to 0.3% and/or one or two selected from Ca: 0.0003% to 0.01% and REM: 0.0003% to 0.01% may be further contained as selective elements.


At least one selected from Nb: 0.005% to 0.1%, B: 0.0002% to 0.002%, Cu: 0.005% to 0.3%, Ni: 0.005% to 0.3%, Cr: 0.005% to 0.3%, and Mo: 0.005% to 0.3%


Each of Nb, B, Cu, Ni, Cr, and Mo is an element which contributes to enhancement of strength of the steel and at least one may be selected and contained, as necessary.


Nb is an element which contributes to enhancement of strength of the steel through formation of carbonitrides. In order to exert such an effect, it is preferable that the content be 0.005% or more. On the other hand, if the content is more than 0.1%, deformation resistance increases, a rolling force of hot rolling increases, a load to a rolling mill becomes too large, rolling operation in itself becomes difficult and, in addition, coarse precipitates are formed, so that degradation in the workability is caused. Consequently, in the case where Nb is contained, Nb may be limited to within the range of preferably 0.005% to 0.1%. In this regard, 0.01% to 0.05% is more preferable and 0.02% to 0.04% is further preferable.


B is an element having functions of segregating at austenite grain boundaries, suppressing formation and growth of ferrite, improving hardenability, contributing to formation and making fine of bainite phase, and enhancing strength of the steel. In order to exert such effects, it is preferable that the content be 0.0002% or more. However, if the content is more than 0.002%, the workability is degraded significantly. Therefore, in the case where B is contained, B may be limited to within the range of preferably 0.0002% to 0.002%. In this regard, 0.0005% to 0.0015% is more preferable.


Cu is an element having functions of enhancing strength of the steel through solid solution and improving hardenability. In particular, Cu lowers the bainite transformation temperature and contributes to making bainite phase fine. In order to obtain such effects, it is preferable that the content be 0.005% or more, although if the content is more than 0.3%, degradation in the surface quality is caused. Therefore, in the case where Cu is contained, Cu may be limited to within the range of preferably 0.005% to 0.3%. In this regard, 0.01% to 0.2% is more preferable.


Ni is an element having functions of enhancing strength of the steel through solid solution, improving hardenability, and facilitating formation of bainite phase. In order to obtain such effects, it is preferable that the content be 0.005% or more. However, if the content is more than 0.3%, a martensite phase is generated easily, and the hole expansion workability is degraded significantly. Therefore, in the case where Ni is contained, Ni may be limited to within the range of preferably 0.005% to 0.3%. In this regard, 0.01% to 0.2% is more preferable.


Cr is an element which forms carbides and contributes to enhancement of strength of the steel. In order to exert such effects, it is preferable that the content be 0.005% or more. On the other hand, if the content is excessive and is more than 0.3%, the corrosion resistance of the steel is degraded. Therefore, in the case where Cr is contained, Cr is limited to within the range of preferably 0.005% to 0.3%. In this regard, 0.01% to 0.2% is more preferable.


Mo is an element having functions of improving hardenability, facilitating formation of bainite phase, and enhancing strength of the steel. In order to obtain such effects, it is preferable that the content be 0.005% or more. However, if the content is more than 0.3%, a martensite phase may be generated easily, and the hole expansion workability is degraded significantly. Therefore, in the case where Mo is contained, Mo may be limited to within the range of preferably 0.005% to 0.3%. In this regard, 0.01% to 0.2% is more preferable.


One or two selected from Ca: 0.0003% to 0.01% and REM: 0.0003% to 0.01%


Each of Ca and REM is an element which contributes to improvement of the hole expansion workability through shape control of inclusions and one or two may be selected and contained, as necessary.


Ca is an element which controls the shape of inclusions and which contributes to improvement of the hole expansion workability effectively. In order to exert such effects, it is advantageous that the content be 0.0003% or more. On the other hand, if the content is excessive and is more than 0.01%, the amount of inclusions increases and many surface defects are caused. Therefore, in the case where Ca is contained, Ca is limited to within the range of preferably 0.0003% to 0.01%.


As with Ca, REM is an element which controls the shape of sulfide inclusions to improve adverse influences of sulfide inclusions on the hole expansion workability and, thereby, contributes to improvement of the hole expansion workability. In order to exert such effects, it is advantageous that the content be 0.0003% or more. On the other hand, if the content is excessive and is more than 0.01%, the amount of inclusions increases, the cleanliness of the steel is degraded, and the hole expansion workability may be degraded. Therefore, in the case where REM is contained, REM may be limited to within the range of preferably 0.0003% to 0.01%.


The balance other than those described above is composed of Fe and incidental impurities. In this regard, as for the incidental impurities, O (oxygen): 0.005% or less, W: 0.1% or less, Ta: 0.1% or less, Co: 0.1% or less, Sb: 0.1% or less, Sn: 0.1% or less, Zr: 0.1% or less, and the like can be allowable.


Next, reasons for the limitation of the microstructure of the hot rolled steel sheet according to an aspect of the present invention will be described.


In the hot rolled steel sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention, the primary phase is specified to be a bainite phase. Here, the term “primary phase” refers to a phase having an area fraction of 90% or more. If a phase other than the bainite phase is specified to be the primary phase, predetermined high strength and good hole expansion workability cannot be obtained stably. Consequently, the primary phase may be specified to be bainite phase having an area fraction of 90% or more. In this regard, 92% or more is preferable, and 95% or more is more preferable.


The remainder other than the bainite phase serving as the primary phase may be at least one selected from martensite phase, austenite phase (retained austenite phase), and ferrite phase. The phases of the reminder other than the primary phase are specified to be 10% or less in total (including 0%) on an area fraction basis. If the phases of the reminder other than the bainite phase are more than 10%, predetermined high strength and good hole expansion workability may not be obtained stably. In particular, if the martensite phase increases, predetermined good hole expansion workability cannot be obtained stably.


The hot rolled steel sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention has the above-described microstructure, where the microstructure shows that cementite is dispersed in the microstructure. Cementite is present while being dispersed mainly in the bainite phase, although may be present in the phases other than bainite or at the phase boundaries. In the hot rolled steel sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention, cementite dispersed in the microstructure is specified to be 0.8% or less on a percent by mass basis and the average grain size is specified to be 150 nm or less.


In the case where a large amount of cementite is dispersed in the microstructure, where the proportion is more than 0.8% on a percent by mass basis, the number of dispersed cementite grains increases, voids started from cementite are connected easily during working, the local ductility is degraded, and the hole expansion workability may be degraded. Consequently, cementite may be limited to 0.8% or less on a percent by mass basis. In this regard, 0.6% or less is preferable, and 0.5% or less is more preferable.


Also, in the case where cementite is coarsened and the average grain size is more than 150 nm, coarse voids started from cementite are generated easily during working, and the hole expansion workability may be degraded. Consequently, the average grain size of cementite may be limited to 150 nm or less. In this regard, 130 nm or less is preferable, and 110 nm or less is further preferable.


Next, a preferable method for manufacturing the hot rolled steel sheet according to an aspect of the present invention will be described.


In an aspect of the present invention, a hot rolled steel sheet is produced through the steps of heating a steel, applying hot rolling having rough rolling and finish rolling, performing cooling composed of two stages of first stage cooling and second stage cooling, and performing coiling.


The method for manufacturing a steel serving as a starting material is not necessarily particularly limited, and any common manufacturing method can be applied, wherein a molten steel having the above-described composition is refined by a common refining method, e.g., a converter, and a steel, e.g., a slab, is produced by a common casting method, e.g., a continuous casting method. In this regard, an ingot-making and blooming method may be employed without problem.


Meanwhile, in an embodiment of the present invention, electro-magnetic stirrer (EMS), intentional bulging soft reduction casting (IBSR), and the like can be applied to reduce component segregation of the steel during continuous casting. Equiaxial crystals are formed in the sheet thickness center portion by applying an electro-magnetic stirrer treatment, so that segregation can be reduced. Also, in the case where the intentional bulging soft reduction casting is applied, segregation in the sheet thickness center portion can be reduced by preventing flowing of the molten steel in an unsolidified portion of the continuous casting slab. The elongation and the hole expansion workability in tensile characteristics described below can be brought to a more excellent level by applying at least one of these segregation reduction treatments.


Initially, the resulting steel may be heated to heating temperature: 1,200° C. or higher.


Heating temperature: 1,200° C. or higher


Carbonitride-forming elements, e.g., Ti, are contained in the steel employed in an embodiment of the present invention. Most of these carbonitride-forming elements are present as coarse carbonitrides (precipitates). In this regard, the presence of coarse carbonitride-forming elements, e.g., Ti, which remain coarse precipitates, causes reduction in the amount of fine precipitates, which contribute to solute strengthening. Consequently, the steel sheet strength is reduced. In order to allow these coarse precipitates to form solid solutions before hot rolling, the heating temperature may be limited to 1,200° C. or higher. In this regard, 1,220° C. to 1,350° C. is preferable.


Subsequently, the heated steel may be subjected to hot rolling composed of rough rolling and finish rolling.


The condition of the rough rolling is not specifically limited insofar as predetermined sheet bar dimensions are ensured. Following the rough rolling, the finish rolling with finishing temperature: 850° C. to 950° C. may be applied. In this regard, as a matter of course, descaling is performed before the finish rolling or between finish rolling stands during rolling.


Finishing temperature: 850° C. to 950° C.


If the finishing temperature is lower than 850° C., finish rolling is rolling in two-phase region of ferrite+austenite, so that a deformation microstructure remains after rolling and the hole expansion workability may be degraded. On the other hand, if the finishing temperature is high and is higher than 950° C., austenite grains grow, and a bainite phase of the hot rolled sheet obtained after cooling is coarsened. Consequently, the hole expansion workability may be degraded. Therefore, the finishing temperature may be limited to within the range of 850° C. to 950° C. In this regard, 870° C. to 930° C. is preferable. Here, the term “finishing temperature” refers to the surface temperature.


After the finish rolling is completed, cooling composed of two stages of first stage cooling and second stage cooling may be applied.


In the first stage cooling, cooling may be started within 1.5 s of, preferably just after, completion of the finish rolling, and cooling to a first stage cooling stop temperature of 500° C. to 600° C. may be performed at an average cooling rate of 20° C./s to 80° C./s.


If the time until cooling of the first stage cooling is started is long and is more than 1.5 s, austenite grains become coarse and a bainite phase may be coarsened. Also, if austenite grains become coarse, the hardenability of the steel sheet increases and a martensite phase is generated easily, so that predetermined excellent hole expansion workability cannot be obtained. Therefore, the cooling start time of the first stage cooling may be limited to within 1.5 s of completion of the finish rolling.


Meanwhile, if the average cooling rate of the first stage cooling is less than 20° C./s and, therefore, cooling becomes slow, formation of ferrite or coarse bainite is facilitated, and predetermined high strength or hole expansion workability may not be obtained. On the other hand, if quenching is performed at more than 80° C./s, martensite is generated easily to become hard, and the hole expansion workability may be degraded. Consequently, the average cooling rate of the first stage cooling may be limited to within the range of 20° C./s to 80° C./s. In this regard, 25° C./s to 60° C./s is preferable.


Meanwhile, if the first stage cooling stop temperature is lower than 500° C., a transition boiling region is reached, variations in steel sheet temperature increase, the microstructure becomes heterogeneous, and predetermined excellent hole expansion workability may not be obtained. On the other hand, if the first stage cooling stop temperature is a high temperature higher than 600° C., ferrite transformation is facilitated, and predetermined high strength may not be obtained. Consequently, the first stage cooling stop temperature may be limited to 500° C. to 600° C. In this regard, 520° C. to 580° C. is preferable.


The second stage cooling may be started just after or within 3 s of, preferably just after, completion of the first stage cooling, and cooling to a second stage cooling stop temperature of 330° C. to 470° C. may be performed at an average cooling rate of 90° C./s or more.


If the time until cooling of the second stage cooling is started is long and is more than 3 s, ferrite transformation is started and predetermined high strength may not be obtained. Therefore, the cooling start time of the second stage cooling may be limited to within 3 s of completion of the first stage cooling.


Meanwhile, if the average cooling rate of the second stage cooling is less than 90° C./s, generated bainite is coarsened, and predetermined hole expansion workability may not be obtained. Consequently, the average cooling rate of the second stage cooling may be limited to 90° C./s or more. In this regard, the upper limit of the average cooling rate of the second stage cooling is not specifically limited, although the upper limit may be about 250° C./s in association with the sheet thickness of a sheet to be cooled and the capability of cooling equipment. In this regard, 100° C./s to 200° C./s is preferable.


Meanwhile, if the second stage cooling stop temperature is lower than 330° C., hard martensite phase and retained austenite phase are formed in the steel sheet microstructure, a predetermined microstructure may not be obtained, and the hole expansion workability may be degraded. On the other hand, if the second stage cooling stop temperature is a high temperature higher than 470° C., a ferrite phase and a martensite phase increase in the steel sheet microstructure, predetermined microstructure cannot be obtained, and the hole expansion workability may be degraded significantly. Consequently, the second stage cooling stop temperature may be limited to 330° C. to 470° C. In this regard, 350° C. to 450° C. is preferable.


After cooling to the second stage cooling stop temperature is performed, hot rolled steel sheet (steel strip in coil) may be produced by performing coiling into the shape of a coil, where a coiling temperature is specified to be the second stage cooling stop temperature.


In this regard, the above-described temperature refers to a steel sheet surface temperature.


In this regard, after the coiling, the hot rolled steel sheet may further be subjected to temper rolling following the common method. Also, the resulting hot rolled steel sheet may be subjected to pickling to remove scale formed on the surface. Alternatively, after the pickling, a galvanization process, e.g., hot dip galvanizing or electrogalvanizing, and a chemical conversion treatment may further be applied.


Example 2

A molten steel having the composition shown in Table 5 was refined in a converter, and a slab (steel) was produced by a continuous casting method. In the continuous casting, those other than Hot rolled steel sheet No. 1′ of Steel A2 in Tables 5 to 7B described later were subjected to electro-magnetic stirrer (EMS) for the purpose of segregation reduction treatment of the components. Subsequently, these steels were heated under the conditions shown in Tables 6A and 6B, and were subjected to hot rolling composed of rough rolling and finish rolling under the conditions shown in Tables 6A and 6B. After the finish rolling was completed, cooling was performed under the conditions shown in Tables 6A and 6B, and coiling was performed at coiling temperatures shown in Tables 6A and 6B, so that hot rolled steel sheets having sheet thicknesses shown in Tables 6A and 6B were produced. Cooling of some hot rolled steel sheets were specified to be single stage cooling.


Test pieces were taken from the resulting hot rolled steel sheets, and microstructure observation, a tensile test, and a hole expanding test were performed. The testing methods were as described below.


(1) Microstructure Observation

A test piece for a microstructure observation was taken from the resulting hot rolled steel sheet, a sheet thickness cross-section parallel to the rolling direction was polished, and the microstructure was allowed to appear with a corrosive liquid (3% nital solution). The microstructure of the position at one-quarter of the sheet thickness was observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and photographs of the microstructure were taken in three fields of view (magnification: 3,000 times). The microstructure fraction (area fraction) of each phase was calculated on the basis of identification of the microstructure and image analysis.


A test piece (size: 10 mm×15 mm) for replica was taken from the position at one-quarter of the sheet thickness of the resulting hot rolled steel sheet, a replica film was produced by a two-stage replica method, and cementite was taken. The resulting cementite was observed with a transmission electron microscope (TEM), and photographs were taken in five fields of view (magnification: 50,000 times). The grain size of each cementite was determined and the average grain size of cementite of the steel sheet concerned was determined by averaging. In this regard, in the case of cementite having an aspect ratio, the average value of the long axis length and the short axis length was specified to be the grain size of the cementite concerned.


A test piece (size: t×50×100 mm) for electrolytic residue extraction was taken from the resulting hot rolled steel sheet. The total thickness of the test piece was subjected to constant-current electrolysis in a 10 vol % AA electrolyte (10 vol % acetylacetone-1 mass % tetramethylammonium chloride methanol) at current density: 20 mA/cm2. The resulting electrolyte was filtrated and the electrolytic residue remaining on the filter paper was analyzed with an inductively-coupled plasma spectrophotometric analyzer to measure the amount of Fe in the electrolytic residue. It was assumed that quantified Fe was entirely Fe3C, and the amount of precipitated cementite was calculated on the basis of the following formula.





Fe3C (percent by mass)=(1.0716×[quantified Fe(g)])/[electrolyzed weight (g)]×100


In this regard, the atomic weight of Fe was specified to be 55.85 (g/mol) and the atomic weight of C was specified to be 12.01 (g/mol). Meanwhile, the electrolyzed weight was determined by cleaning the test piece for electrolysis after the electrolysis, measuring the weight, and subtracting the resulting weight from the test piece weight before electrolysis.


(2) Tensile Test

JIS No. 5 test pieces (GL: 50 mm) were taken from the resulting hot rolled steel sheet in such a way that the tensile direction and the rolling direction forma right angle. A tensile test was performed in conformity with JIS Z 2241 and the yield strength (yield point) YP, the tensile strength TS, and the elongation El were determined.


(3) Hole Expanding Test

A test piece (size: t×100×100 mm) for hole expanding test was taken from the resulting hot rolled steel sheet. In conformity with The Japan Iron and Steel Federation Standards JFST 1001, a punched hole was punched in the center of the test piece with a 10 mmφ punch, where clearance: 12.5% of sheet thickness. Thereafter, a 60° cone punch was inserted into the punched hole along the punching direction in such a way as to be pushed upward, and a hole diameter d mm at the point in time when a crack penetrated the sheet thickness was determined, and the hole expanding ratio k (%) defined by the following formula





λ(%)={(d−10)/10}×100


was calculated.


Also, a test piece (size: t×100×100 mm) for hole expanding test was taken from the resulting hot rolled steel sheet. A punched hole was punched in the center of the test piece with a 10 mmφ punch, where clearance: 25.0% of sheet thickness. Thereafter, a 60° cone punch was inserted into the punched hole along the punching direction in such a way as to be pushed upward, and a hole diameter d mm at the point in time when a crack penetrated the sheet thickness was determined, and the hole expanding ratio λ(%) was calculated by the above-described formula. In this regard, the clearance refers to the proportion (%) relative to the sheet thickness.


Then, the case where λ obtained by the hole expanding test performed with respect to the punched hole punched with a clearance of 12.5% was 60% or more and λ obtained by the hole expanding test performed with respect to the punched hole punched with a clearance of 25.0% was 40% or more was evaluated as good hole expansion workability.


The obtained results are shown in Tables 7A and 7B.











TABLE 5







Steel
Chemical component (percent by mass)




















No.
C
Si
Mn
P
S
Al
N
Ti
V
Nb, B, Cu, Ni, Cr, Mo
REM, Ca
Remarks





A2
0.11
0.5
2.4
0.014
0.0018
0.055
0.0031
0.15
0.24


Adaptation example


B2
0.15
0.7
2.0
0.019
0.0014
0.087
0.0055
0.12
0.20


Adaptation example


C2
0.18
0.8
2.2
0.019
0.0008
0.025
0.0062
0.10
0.15


Adaptation example


D2
0.19
0.9
2.4
0.023
0.0010
0.079
0.0057
0.11
0.30


Adaptation example


E2
0.15
0.2
2.3
0.015
0.0008
0.019
0.0065
0.15
0.25


Adaptation example


F2
0.14
0.5
1.9
0.014
0.0039
0.037
0.0027
0.09
0.25


Adaptation example


G2
0.12
0.7
2.0
0.008
0.0026
0.034
0.0056
0.15
0.20


Adaptation example


H2
0.11
0.9
1.6
0.013
0.0015
0.075
0.0039
0.18
0.11


Adaptation example


I2
0.13
0.6
1.6
0.013
0.0004
0.013
0.0022
0.17
0.15


Adaptation example


J2
0.14
0.6
1.8
0.014
0.0021
0.043
0.0049
0.14
0.17


Adaptation example


K2
0.13
0.5
1.9
0.011
0.0013
0.030
0.0043
0.08
0.20
Nb: 0.02

Adaptation example


L2
0.16
0.8
2.3
0.045
0.0011
0.031
0.0028
0.09
0.11
B: 0.0005

Adaptation example


M2
0.11
0.7
2.4
0.012
0.0009
0.045
0.0032
0.12
0.15
Ni: 0.2, Cr: 0.2

Adaptation example


N2
0.12
0.4
1.7
0.008
0.0020
0.024
0.0048
0.08
0.15
Nb: 0.01, Mo: 0.2

Adaptation example


O2
0.11
0.1
2.2
0.007
0.0014
0.021
0.0010
0.10
0.12
B: 0.0007

Adaptation example


P2
0.14
0.3
1.8
0.018
0.0008
0.055
0.0053
0.12
0.20

Ca: 0.005
Adaptation example


Q2
0.16
0.7
2.1
0.004
0.0028
0.035
0.0018
0.15
0.15

REM: 0.005
Adaptation example


R2
0.15
0.5
1.9
0.025
0.0023
0.041
0.0029
0.11
0.22
Cu: 0.1

Adaptation example


S2
0.19
0.9
2.4
0.015
0.0027
0.031
0.0063
0.11
0.30


Adaptation example


T2
0.15
0.7
2.3
0.015
0.0019
0.052
0.0049
0.11
0.15
B: 0.001

Adaptation example



U2


0.05


1.3

2.4
0.019
0.0021
0.041
0.0033
0.16

Nb: 04

Comparative example



V2

0.22
0.5

2.8

0.018
0.0014
0.029
0.0046
0.10

0.05

Nb: 0.02

Comparative example



W2

0.15
0.1
2.5
0.010

0.0090

0.035

0.0072

0.07

0.05

Cr: 0.2/Mo: 0.2

Comparative example


X2
0.12
0.3
2.1
0.037
0.0011
0.058
0.0052
0.09
0.11


Adaptation example



Y2


0.05

0.5
1.9
0.016
0.0031
0.017
0.0041
0.15



Comparative example



Z2

0.14
0.7

1.2

0.016
0.0020
0.028
0.0047
0.09
0.30


Comparative example



AA2

0.11
0.8
1.7
0.012
0.0016
0.020
0.0038

0.25

0.15


Comparative example



AB2

0.14
0.7
2.3
0.016
0.0014
0.034
0.0035

0.05

0.20


Comparative example


















TABLE 6A









Production condition










First stage cooling
Second stage cooling
















Steel

Heating
Finishing
Cooling
Average
Cooling stop
Cooling
Average
Cooling stop


sheet
Steel
temperature
temperature
start time*
cooling rate
temperature
start
cooling rate
temperature


No.
No.
(° C.)
(° C.)
(s)
(° C./s)
(° C.)
time** (s)
(° C./s)
(° C.)





 1
A2
1240
920
0.5
25
530
1.0
110
370


  1′
A2
1240
920
0.6
25
520
1.0
110
370


 2
A2
1230
910
0.5
30
560
2.5
150
420


3
A2
1210
900
1.5
35
540
3.0
100

310



 4
B2
1230
910
0.5
45
560
3.0
100
410


 5
B2
1240
920
0.0
25
540
1.5
160
370


 6
B2
1240
890
1.0
30
560
2.5
100
440


 7
C2
1220
910
0.5
25
570
2.0
140
360


 8
C2
1260
910
0.0
20
560
0.0
 95
430


 9
D2
1250
930
0.5
35
550
3.0
100
370


10
D2
1240
910
1.0
30
570
2.5
 95
440


11
E2
1230
900
1.5
45
540
2.5
120
380


12
E2
1250
920
0.0
25
550
1.5
110
430



13

F2
1270
910
0.5
25
540
1.5
110

490



14
F2
1260
890
1.0
25
540
1.5
100
380


15
G2
1220
890
1.0
25
540
1.5
130
380


16
G2
1250
930
0.5
30
540
2.0
100
430


17
H2
1270
910
0.0
25
570
2.0
120
350


18
H2
1250
920
0.5
30
570
2.5
100
380



19

H2
1230
900
1.0

10

560
0.0
 95
420


20
I2
1210
920
1.0
30
540
2.0
 95
370



21

I2
1210
910
0.5
25
530
1.0
10
440


22
J2
1270
920
0.5
30
540
2.0
 90
380


23
J2
1260
910
1.0
30
560
2.5
120
440


24
K2
1250
920
0.5
25
550
1.5
120
360


25
K2
1250
900
0.0
25
550
1.5
100
410


26
L2
1220
900
0.5
25
540
1.5
110
360
















Production






condition



Steel sheet
Coiling temperature



No.
(° C.)
Sheet thickness (mm)
Remarks







 1
370
2.9
Invention example



  1′
370
2.9
Invention example



 2
420
2.0
Invention example



3

310

3.6
Comparative example



 4
410
3.6
Invention example



 5
370
2.0
Invention example



 6
440
3.6
Invention example



 7
360
2.3
Invention example



 8
430
4.0
Invention example



 9
370
3.6
Invention example



10
440
4.0
Invention example



11
380
2.6
Invention example



12
430
2.9
Invention example




13


490

2.9
Comparative example



14
380
3.6
Invention example



15
380
2.3
Invention example



16
430
2.9
Invention example



17
350
2.6
Invention example



18
380
3.6
Invention example




19

420
4.0
Comparative example



20
370
4.0
Invention example




21

440
4.0
Comparative example



22
380
4.0
Invention example



23
440
2.6
Invention example



24
360
2.6
Invention example



25
410
3.6
Invention example



26
360
2.9
Invention example







*time from finish rolling completion



**time from first stage cooling completion















TABLE 6B









Production condition










First stage cooling
Second stage cooling


















Heating
Finishing
Cooling
Average
Cooling stop
Cooling
Average
Cooling stop


Steel
Steel
temperature
temperature
start time*
cooling rate
temperature
start
cooling rate
temperature


sheet No.
No.
(° C.)
(° C.)
(s)
(° C./s)
(° C.)
time** (s)
(° C./s)
(° C.)





27
L2
1210
910
1.0
30
550
2.0
 95
410


28
M2
1270
890
0.5
50
550
2.0
 95
380


29
M2
1210
900
1.0
30
560
2.5
150
420



30

M2
1220
920
0.5
25

470

0.5
100
360


31
N2
1210
890
0.5
25
540
1.5
110
350



32

N2
1250

970

0.5
25
560
1.0
130
440


33
O2
1270
890
0.5
25
540
1.5
120
360


34
O2
1270
910
1.0
30
550
2.0
100
370


35
P2
1240
910
0.5
25
560
1.5
120
360



36

P2
1240

830

0.5
25
530
2.0
100
420


37
Q2
1220
910
1.0
30
540
2.0
100
380


38
Q2
1210
920
0.5
25
530
0.5
110
360


39
R2
1220
900
1.0
30
560
2.5
100
360



40

R2

1150

910
0.5
25
560
1.5
 95
380


41
R2
1220
870
1.0
30
550
2.0
110
440


42
S2
1220
910
1.0
25
560
1.5
 95
400


43
S2
1250
920
0.5
30
540
2.0
100
420


44
T2
1220
920
0.0
25
540
1.5
120
360


45
T2
1250
910
1.0
30
550
2.0
110
420



46


U2

1220
910
1.5
40






40

480




47


V2

1240
890
1.0
30
560
2.5
120
440



48


W2

1200
900
0.5
25






25
400



49

X2
1260
920
0.5
25
530
1.0
110

300




50


Y2

1250
880
1.0
30
540
2.5
100
420



51


Z2

1250
910
0.5
25
540
1.5
100
420



52


AA2

1220
920
0.5
25
540
1.0
110
400



53


AB2

1250
910
1.0
30
540
2.0
110
420



54

C2
1250
920

3.0

30
550
1.5
100
400



55

I2
1250
890
0.5
30
540

5.0

100
380
















Production






condition



Steel
Coiling temperature



sheet No.
(° C.)
Sheet thickness (mm)
Remarks







27
410
3.9
Invention example



28
380
3.9
Invention example



29
420
2.0
Invention example




30

360
3.6
Comparative example



31
350
3.2
Invention example




32

440
2.3
Comparative example



33
360
2.6
Invention example



34
370
3.6
Invention example



35
360
2.6
Invention example




36

420
3.6
Comparative example



37
380
3.6
Invention example



38
360
3.2
Invention example



39
360
3.6
Invention example




40

380
4.0
Comparative example



41
440
2.9
Invention example



42
400
4.0
Invention example



43
420
2.9
Invention example



44
360
2.6
Invention example



45
420
2.9
Invention example




46


480

3.6
Comparative example




47

440
2.6
Comparative example




48

400
4.0
Comparative example




49


300

3.2
Comparative example




50

420
3.6
Comparative example




51

420
3.6
Comparative example




52

400
3.2
Comparative example




53

420
2.9
Comparative example




54

400
3.2
Comparative example




55

380
3.2
Comparative example







*time from finish rolling completion



**time from first stage cooling completion
















TABLE 7A









Microstructure














Steel


Bainite
Cementite
Amount of
Tensile characteristics















sheet
Steel

phase area
average grain
cementite (percent
Yield strength
Tensile strength
Elongation EI


No.
No.
Type*
fraction (%)
size (nm)
by mass)
YP (MPa)
TS (MPa)
(%)





 1
A2
B + M
94
101
0.51
954
1094
14.3


  1′
A2
B + M
95
104
0.52
956
1097
13.4


 2
A2
B + M
92
123
0.68
911
1069
16.6


3
A2
B + M

88

 74
0.27
922
1124
12.6


 4
B2
B + M
93
125
0.67
871
1018
16.9


 5
B2
B
100 
107
0.51
913
1038
14.2


 6
B2
B + M
93
138
0.74
863
1003
16.7


 7
C2
B + M
95
110
0.49
891
1017
14.9


 8
C2
B + M
92
141
0.76
832
 982
18.2


 9
D2
B + M
94
 92
0.44
966
1108
14.2


10
D2
B + M
91
123
0.72
905
1073
17.4


11
E2
B + M
94
 89
0.53
957
1103
14.6


12
E2
B + M
92
111
0.73
914
1078
16.9



13

F2
B + M + F

88


173


0.99

779
927
19.8


14
F2
B + M
94
104
0.55
852
 982
16.2


15
G2
B + M
95
102
0.47
950
1084
14.1


16
G2
B + M
92
134
0.75
890
1049
17.3


17
H2
B + M
95
111
0.46
966
1097
13.5


18
H2
B + M
94
125
0.58
939
1082
14.9



19

H2
B + M + F

85

143
0.74
892
1062
18.6


20
12
B + M
94
114
0.55
925
1061
14.7



21

12
B + F + P

79

142

0.89

872
1026
19.5


22
J2
B + M
94
116
0.58
894
1030
15.5


23
J2
B + M
91
143
0.69
844
1000
18.3


24
K2
B + M
95
102
0.49
877
1001
15.2


25
K2
B + M
93
125
0.69
841
 983
17.5


26
L2
B + M
95
116
0.51
909
1038
14.6













Hole expansion




workability



Hole expanding ratio



λ (%)












Steel sheet No.
Clearance: 12.5%
Clearance: 25%
Remarks







 1
75
59
Invention example



  1′
65
48
Invention example



 2
63
43
Invention example



3
45
28
Comparative example



 4
62
46
Invention example



 5
77
64
Invention example



 6
64
42
Invention example



 7
73
60
Invention example



 8
65
44
Invention example



 9
78
64
Invention example



10
63
41
Invention example



11
71
57
Invention example



12
64
48
Invention example




13

61
33
Comparative example



14
67
53
Invention example



15
67
53
Invention example



16
61
45
Invention example



17
71
58
Invention example



18
66
52
Invention example




19

48
32
Comparative example



20
72
58
Invention example




21

51
29
Comparative example



22
71
57
Invention example



23
63
47
Invention example



24
80
66
Invention example



25
64
45
Invention example



26
67
54
Invention example







*B: bainite, F: ferrite, P: pearlite, M: martensite, θ: cementite, γ: retained austenite
















TABLE 7B









Microstructure














Steel


Bainite phase
Cementite
Amount of
Tensile characteristics















sheet
Steel

area fraction
average grain
cementite
Yield strength
Tensile strength
Elongation EI


No.
No.
Type*
(%)
size (nm)
(percent by mass)
YP (MPa)
TS (MPa)
(%)





27
L2
B + M + F
91
132
0.72
842
 998
18.3


28
M2
B + M
94
119
0.58
997
1148
14.1


29
M2
B + M
95
137
0.71
993
1128
13.2



30

M2
B + M + F

87

110
0.50
984
1158
17.0


31
N2
B + M
95
105
0.49
879
 999
14.7



32

N2
B + M
95

167


0.91

840
954
18.3


33
O2
B + M
95
117
0.58
865
 987
15.3


34
O2
B + M
94
122
0.62
856
 982
15.8


35
P2
B
100 
102
0.51
896
1004
15.2



36

P2
B + M + F

82

129
0.75
845
 982
17.3


37
Q2
B + M
94
119
0.58
924
1064
15.1


38
Q2
B + M
95
110
0.50
941
1074
14.2


39
R2
B + M
95
 99
0.48
912
1041
14.6



40

R2
B + M
94
108
0.56
832
961
16.5


41
R2
B + M + F + γ
90
135
0.76
845
1001
18.3


42
S2
B + M
95
 98
0.41
1082
1230
12.2


43
S2
B + M
95
107
0.53
1052
1195
12.5


44
T2
B + M
95
110
0.22
1063
1208
12.4


45
T2
B + M
95
137
0.58
1045
1188
12.5


46

U2

B + M + F
95

186


0.99

898
1020
14.3



47


V2

B + M
91

161


0.89

757
920
18.5



48


W2

B + M + F

85

143
0.71
815
 980
19.0



49

X2
B + M

88

 90
0.32
830
1024
13.6



50


Y2

B + M + F
92

159


0.93

699
910
18.2



51


Z2

B + M + F

80

114
0.55
843
 980
20.1



52


AA2

B + F

87

128
0.46
853
 992
12.3



53


AB2

B + M + F
92
134

0.82

820
952
17.2



54

C2
B + M

85


182


0.85

932
1048
12.9



55

I2
B + M + F

87

135
0.42
821
962
17.5













Hole expansion




workability



Hole expanding ratio



λ (%)












Steel sheet No.
Clearance: 12.5%
Clearance: 25%
Remarks







27
62
44
Invention example



28
67
43
Invention example



29
65
42
Invention example




30

46
31
Comparative example



31
70
57
Invention example




32

55
29
Comparative example



33
65
52
Invention example



34
69
55
Invention example



35
76
63
Invention example




36

39
29
Comparative example



37
66
52
Invention example



38
74
61
Invention example



39
72
59
Invention example




40

42
33
Comparative example



41
63
42
Invention example



42
69
56
Invention example



43
62
56
Invention example



44
64
52
Invention example



45
63
43
Invention example



46
74
35
Comparative example




47

60
34
Comparative example




48

62
36
Comparative example




49

48
27
Comparative example




50

67
33
Comparative example




51

51
29
Comparative example




52

43
27
Comparative example




53

52
35
Comparative example




54

39
28
Comparative example




55

42
31
Comparative example







*B: bainite, F: ferrite, P: pearlite, M: martensite, θ: cementite, γ: retained austenite






All Invention examples are high strength hot rolled steel sheets having high strength of tensile strength: 980 MPa or more and excellent hole expansion workability. On the other hand, Comparative examples out of the preferred scope of the present invention are unable to obtain predetermined tensile strength or exhibit degraded hole expansion workability.

Claims
  • 1. A high strength hot rolled steel sheet having a tensile strength TS of 980 MPa or more, comprising a composition and a microstructure, the composition containing, on a percent by mass basis,C: 0.05% or more and 0.18% or less, Si: 1.0% or less,Mn: 1.0% or more and 3.5% or less, P: 0.04% or less,S: 0.006% or less, Al: 0.10% or less,N: 0.008% or less, Ti: 0.05% or more and 0.20% or less,V: more than 0.1% and 0.3% or less, andthe balance being Fe and incidental impurities, andthe microstructure comprising a primary phase and a secondary phase,the primary phase being a bainite phase having an area fraction of more than 85%,the secondary phase being at least one of ferrite phase, martensite phase, and retained austenite phase, the secondary phase having an area fraction of 0% or more and less than 15% in total,the bainite phase having an average lath interval of laths of 400 nm or less, and the laths having an average long axis length of 5.0 μm or less.
  • 2. The high strength hot rolled steel sheet according to claim 1, wherein the composition further contains, on a percent by mass basis, at least one selected from Nb: 0.005% or more and 0.4% or less, B: 0.0002% or more and 0.0020% or less, Cu: 0.005% or more and 0.2% or less, Ni: 0.005% or more and 0.2% or less, Cr: 0.005% or more and 0.4% or less, and Mo: 0.005% or more and 0.4% or less.
  • 3. The high strength hot rolled steel sheet according to claim 1, wherein the composition further contains, on a percent by mass basis, at least one selected from Ca: 0.0002% or more and 0.01% or less and REM: 0.0002% or more and 0.01% or less.
  • 4. A method for manufacturing a high strength hot rolled steel sheet, comprising: heating a steel material having the composition according claim 1 to 1,200° C. or higher,applying hot rolling having rough rolling and finish rolling, the finish rolling having an accumulated rolling reduction of 50% or more in a temperature range of 1,000° C. or lower and a finishing temperature of 820° C. or higher and 930° C. or lower,starting cooling within 4.0 s after the hot rolling,performing cooling at an average cooling rate of 20° C./s or more, andperforming coiling at a coiling temperature of 300° C. or higher and 450° C. or lower.
  • 5. A high strength hot rolled steel sheet having a tensile strength TS of 980 MPa or more, comprising a composition and a microstructure, the composition containing, on a percent by mass basis,C: more than 0.1% and 0.2% or less, Si: 1.0% or less,Mn: 1.5% to 2.5%, P: 0.05% or less,S: 0.005% or less, Al: 0.10% or less,N: 0.007% or less, Ti: 0.07% to 0.2%,V: more than 0.1% and 0.3% or less, andthe balance being Fe and incidental impurities, the microstructure comprising a primary phase and the remainder other than the primary phase,the primary phase being a bainite phase having an area fraction of 90% or more,the remainder being at least one selected from martensite phase, austenite phase and ferrite phase and having an area fraction of 10% or less, andcementite dispersed in the microstructure having a mass percent of 0.8% or less and an average grain size of 150 nm or less.
  • 6. The high strength hot rolled steel sheet according to claim 5, wherein the composition further contains, on a percent by mass basis, at least one selected from Nb: 0.005% to 0.1%, B: 0.0002% to 0.002%, Cu: 0.005% to 0.3%, Ni: 0.005% to 0.3%, Cr: 0.005% to 0.3%, and Mo: 0.005% to 0.3%.
  • 7. The high strength hot rolled steel sheet according to claim 5, wherein the composition further contains, on a percent by mass basis, at least one selected from Ca: 0.0003% to 0.01% and REM: 0.0003% to 0.01%.
  • 8. A method for manufacturing a high strength hot rolled steel sheet comprising: heating a steel material, applying hot rolling having rough rolling and finish rolling, applying cooling having two stages of first stage cooling and second stage cooling, and performing coiling to produce a hot rolled steel sheet, whereinthe steel material is specified to be a steel material having a composition containing, on a percent by mass basis,C: more than 0.1% and 0.2% or less, Si: 1.0% or less,Mn: 1.5% to 2.5%, P: 0.05% or less,S: 0.005% or less, Al: 0.10% or less,N: 0.007% or less, Ti: 0.07% to 0.2%,V: more than 0.1% and 0.3% or less, andthe balance being Fe and incidental impurities,the heating is a treatment to heat the steel material to 1,200° C. or higher,the finish rolling is rolling with finishing temperature: 850° C. to 950° C.,the first stage cooling is cooling in which cooling is started within 1.5 s of completion of the finish rolling and cooling to a first stage cooling stop temperature of 500° C. to 600° C. is performed at an average cooling rate of 20° C./s to 80° C./s,the second stage cooling is cooling in which cooling to a second stage cooling stop temperature of 330° C. to 470° C. is performed at an average cooling rate of 90° C./s or more within 3 s of completion of the first stage cooling, andafter completion of the second stage cooling, coiling is performed, where the coiling temperature is the second stage cooling stop temperature.
  • 9. The method for manufacturing a high strength hot rolled steel sheet, according to claim 8, wherein the composition further contains, on a percent by mass basis, at least one selected from Nb: 0.005% to 0.1%, B: 0.0002% to 0.002%, Cu: 0.005% to 0.3%, Ni: 0.005% to 0.3%, Cr: 0.005% to 0.3%, and Mo: 0.005% to 0.3%.
  • 10. The method for manufacturing a high strength hot rolled steel sheet, according to claim 8, wherein the composition further contains, on a percent by mass basis, at least one selected from Ca: 0.0003% to 0.01% and REM: 0.0003% to 0.01%.
Priority Claims (2)
Number Date Country Kind
2013-084448 Apr 2013 JP national
2013-084450 Apr 2013 JP national
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is the U.S. National Phase application of PCT/JP2014/001509, filed Mar. 17, 2014, which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-084448, filed Apr. 15, 2013 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-084450, filed Apr. 15, 2013, the disclosures of each of these applications being incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

PCT Information
Filing Document Filing Date Country Kind
PCT/JP2014/001509 3/17/2014 WO 00