Niobium Steel Applications

Among the various microalloying elements of steel, scrap niobium is the most effective microalloying element. The role of niobium is so great that an abundance of niobium atoms in the iron atom can be used to achieve an improvement in the properties of steel. In fact the addition of 0.001%-0.1% niobium to steel is sufficient to change the mechanical properties of steel.

Niobium as a microalloying element added to steel does not change the structure of iron, but with the steel of carbon # nitrogen # sulfur combination, change the microstructure of steel. The strengthening effect of niobium on steel is mainly fine grain strengthening and diffusion strengthening, niobium and carbon and nitrogen in steel to generate stable carbides and carbon-nitrides. It also disperses carbides and forms steel with fine crystallization.

Niobium also enables diffuse distribution of precipitates by inducing precipitation and controlling the cooling rate. The toughness level of the steel is adjusted over a wide range. Therefore, the addition of niobium not only increases the strength of steel, but also improves its toughness, resistance to high-temperature oxidation and corrosion resistance! Reduces the brittle transition temperature of steel, obtaining good welding properties and molding properties.