Effect of 0–0·1%Nb additions on mechanical properties of plates processed by thermomechanically controlled processing and accelerated cooling

The effect of niobium additions up to 0·10% on the mechanical properties of thermomechanical control processed plates of 20 and 70 mm thickness subjected to various accelerated cooling regimes has been investigated. The study is based on synthetic melts, laboratory rolling, and heat treatment designed to simulate industrial praxis. The results show that a combination of high strength and excellent toughness can be achieved in bainitic plates of low carbon equivalent.