Pages: 22-30

Abstract

The Electroslag remelting (ESR) and homogenization processes influence and decrease the segregation of alloying elements in steels considerably. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of homogenizing on the strength and ductility of low-alloy steel and then to compare the obtained properties with the electroslag remelted condition. To achieve this, a set of the primary ingots were melted and cast using an induction furnace and then electroslag were remelted. The second sets of ingots were homogenized at 1200°C instead of ESR processing subsequently after casting. All of the samples were analyzed with elemental analysis and x-ray diffraction after metallography. The evaluation of mechanical properties including tensile test, impact test, and microhardness measurements were carried out on both sets of the samples. It was observed that the homogenization process has more influence on improving strength and ductility of steel in comparison with the ESR process. Finally, it has been shown that reduction of segregation, the stability of retained austenite, and reduction of the thickness of bainitic ferrite sheaves could be achieved in homogenized samples.