500MPa-grade hot-dip galvanized low-density steel with low yield ratio and high corrosion resistance and manufacturing method of 500MPa-grade hot-dip galvanized low-density steel

By adjusting the distribution of δ-ferrite and controlling the distribution of MnS and RE-SO, a 500MPa grade hot-dip galvanized low-density steel with low yield strength ratio and high corrosion resistance was prepared. This solved the problems of high yield strength ratio and large springback of existing low-density steel, and achieved the effect of high strength and low springback.

CN121759810AActive Publication Date: 2026-03-31ANGANG STEEL CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2026-03-02
Publication Date
2026-03-31

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing low-density steel has a high yield strength ratio and high springback, making it difficult to meet the lightweight requirements of automotive structural components.

Method used

By adjusting the distribution of δ-ferrite and using specific chemical compositions and processes, a microstructure of δ-ferrite + martensite + retained austenite + sulfide is prepared, controlling the distribution of MnS and RE-SO, reducing yield strength and improving corrosion resistance.

Benefits of technology

It achieves a yield strength ratio ≤0.638, tensile strength ≥500MPa, elongation ≥29%, reduces part springback, improves first-pass yield, and enhances corrosion resistance.

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Abstract

The invention provides 500MPa-grade hot-dip galvanized low-density steel with low yield ratio and high corrosion resistance and a manufacturing method thereof. A steel plate comprises the following components in percentage by weight: 0.065%-0.073% of C, 0.42%-0.54% of Si, 1.51%-1.62% of Mn, 3.3%-6.5% of Al, less than or equal to 0.010% of P, 0.01%-0.03% of S, 0.01%-0.015% of RE and the balance of Fe and inevitable impurities. The manufacturing method of the steel comprises the steps of blast furnace molten iron pretreatment, converter steelmaking, continuous casting, hot continuous rolling, acid pickling, cold rolling and hot galvanizing. The steel structure comprises delta-ferrite, martensite, retained austenite and sulfide, the content of the martensite is 5.2%-7.0%, the content of the retained austenite is 3.5%-3.8%, the sulfide is composed of a small amount of MnS and RE-S-O which are distributed in a dispersed mode, the small amount of MnS is separated out in the ferrite and the martensite in a dispersed mode, and the RE-S-O is distributed along the grain boundary of the ferrite.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of low-density steel for automobiles, and specifically relates to a 500MPa grade hot-dip galvanized low-density steel for automobiles with low yield strength ratio and high corrosion resistance. This steel is suitable for manufacturing steel structure products such as automotive structural parts and seats. Background Technology

[0002] Research on low-density steel can be traced back to the 1930s, initially focusing on Fe-Al steels to replace expensive Ni and Cr stainless steels. However, its widespread application was limited by metallurgical bottlenecks. After the 1950s, with the surge in demand for lightweight automobiles, researchers began to reduce steel density by adding light elements such as Al and Mn (each 1% Al addition reduces density by approximately 1.3%). Since 2000, Fe-Mn-Al-C low-density steel has become a research hotspot due to its combination of low density and high strength and ductility. Laboratory achievements in countries like South Korea and Japan have driven its development, but industrial-scale production still faces challenges. Adding a large amount of Al to low-density steel significantly reduces its density, but high Al levels cause considerable instability and negative impacts on industrial production. Al tends to stabilize the ferrite phase, inhibiting austenite formation and affecting heat treatment processes and microstructure control. This results in low-density high-strength steel products having higher yield strengths than ordinary high-strength steel products. Hot-dip galvanizing lines, due to their inability to achieve cooling rates above 30°C, result in yield strength ratios exceeding 0.73, leading to significant springback in stamped parts during practical applications. The high yield strength is primarily due to the fact that δ-ferrite, a high-temperature ferrite, forms during solidification and its morphology and distribution cannot be altered by subsequent heat treatment. This invention aims to reduce the yield strength of the product by adjusting the distribution of δ-ferrite. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention aims to overcome the defects of high yield strength ratio and large springback of existing low-density steel, and to provide a 500MPa grade hot-dip galvanized low-density steel with low yield strength ratio and high corrosion resistance, as well as its manufacturing method.

[0004] This invention provides a 500MPa grade hot-dip galvanized low-density steel with low yield strength ratio and high corrosion resistance, and its manufacturing method. The chemical composition, by weight percentage, is as follows: C: 0.065%~0.073%, Si: 0.42%~0.54%, Mn: 1.51%~1.62%, Al: 3.3%~6.5%, P: ≤0.010%, S: 0.01%~0.03%, RE: 0.01%~0.015%, with the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities. The microstructure of the low-density automotive steel with low yield strength ratio and high corrosion resistance is: δ-ferrite + martensite + retained austenite + sulfides, wherein the martensite content is 5.2~7.0%, the retained austenite content is 3.5~3.8%, and the sulfide composition is a small amount of dispersed MnS and RE-SO, with a MnS to RE-SO ratio of 1.5~2.0:1. A small amount of MnS is dispersed around the grain boundaries of δ-ferrite and martensite, and RE-SO is distributed along the grain boundaries of δ-ferrite. The yield strength ratio is ≤0.638, the tensile strength is ≥500MPa, and the elongation is ≥29%.

[0005] The rationale for the alloy design of this invention is as follows: C: Carbon (C) has excellent solid solution strengthening effects. Too low a C content will reduce the strength of the steel and the stability of austenite; too high a C content will easily lead to the precipitation of coarse carbides at grain boundaries, reducing the steel's properties. Therefore, the C content ranges from 0.065% to 0.073%. In this invention, C is primarily the element that provides strength.

[0006] Mn: Mn is an element that strengthens steel through solid solution and expands the austenite region. Too low a Mn content leads to insufficient residual austenite after martensitic transformation, reducing the steel's plasticity. Too high a Mn content increases costs and causes segregation, resulting in poor performance. In this invention, most of the Mn is used for solid solution strengthening, with a small portion reacting with S to form MnS, reducing δ-ferrite continuity and yield strength. Therefore, the Mn content in this invention ranges from 1.51% to 1.62%.

[0007] Si: Si mainly plays a role in deoxidation and solid solution strengthening in steel. If the Si content is too low, it will not have a deoxidizing effect; if the Si content is too high, it will reduce the surface quality of the steel plate. Therefore, the Si content range is 0.25% to 0.4%.

[0008] P: P is a harmful element in steel, and the lower its content, the better.

[0009] S: S element mainly forms MnS with Mn element. Through process control, the precipitated MnS can reduce the yield strength of steel by reducing the continuity of δ-ferrite. However, excessive S element is a harmful element in steel. Therefore, the S element content in this design is 0.01~0.03%.

[0010] Al: As a lightweight element, Al can increase the lattice constant of the product and reduce the density of steel. Al can also inhibit the decomposition of residual austenite and the precipitation of carbides in steel. Excessive Al content will not only increase production costs, but also lead to a decrease in the quality of continuously cast billets and the possibility of steel leakage. Therefore, in this invention, the Al content is controlled within the range of 3.3% to 6.5%.

[0011] RE: It has a strong reaction with oxygen and sulfur. At the grain boundaries, it can prevent Mn and S from growing into strips of MnS compounds that embrittle the grain boundaries, and generate spherical RE-SO rare earth oxides, thus improving the toughness and plasticity of steel.

[0012] The second technical solution of the present invention provides a process for preparing 500MPa grade low yield strength ratio and high corrosion resistance hot-dip galvanized low density steel, which includes the following steps: blast furnace hot metal pretreatment, converter steelmaking, continuous casting, hot continuous rolling, pickling, cold rolling, and hot-dip galvanizing.

[0013] The specific steps of this preparation process are as follows: Blast furnace molten iron pretreatment: Use specially designed slag, adjust blast parameters and inject pulverized coal to maintain a weak reducing atmosphere in the furnace, with pulverized coal injection rate ≥210kg / t.

[0014] Converter steelmaking: By weight percentage: C: 0.065%–0.073%, Si: 0.42%–0.54%, Mn: 1.51%–1.62%, Al: 3.3%–6.5%, P: ≤0.010%, S: 0.01%–0.03%, RE: 0.01%–0.015%. The balance is Fe and unavoidable impurities. Batching is performed, and deoxidation is carried out using a Si-Ca alloy to control the type and morphology of inclusions.

[0015] The steel is smelted in a converter to obtain molten steel that meets the above composition requirements, with the temperature between 1560℃ and 1580℃.

[0016] Continuous casting: The casting temperature is between 1515 and 1541℃. During continuous casting production, a light reduction is required, with a reduction range of 3.4 to 5.5 mm. Excessive light reduction can easily cause a sharp increase in central cracks, while excessive light reduction has no effect on element segregation. Therefore, the light reduction is selected to be between 3.4 and 5.5 mm.

[0017] Hot continuous rolling: The billet's furnace entry temperature is between 500 and 800℃, the heating temperature is between 1210 and 1260℃, and the rolling mill performs 6 passes to roll the steel plate to the designed thickness. The initial rolling temperature is between 1140 and 1160℃, and the final rolling temperature is above 910℃. Too low a final rolling temperature will cause hard phase structures in the steel, leading to rolling difficulties. The coiling temperature is between 520 and 560℃; low-temperature coiling improves deformation energy storage. The thickness of the hot-rolled coil is between 5.5 and 7.0 mm.

[0018] Pickling + Cold Rolling: The steel coil is pickled before rolling. It is rolled in 3 to 6 passes on a single stand mill with a total reduction rate of over 74% to ensure sufficient cold deformation energy storage. The thickness of the cold-rolled coil is 1.0 to 1.4 mm.

[0019] The galvanizing annealing process is as follows: heating rate is 6-9℃ / s, dew point temperature is controlled at -27--29℃ during heating, annealing temperature is 820℃-840℃, annealing time is 23.9s-34s, dew point temperature is controlled at -31--33℃ during annealing, slow cooling to 720℃-740℃, rapid cooling to 462℃-470℃ before entering the zinc pot, rapid cooling section cooling rate is 7.35-8.2℃ / s, dew point temperature is controlled at -27--29℃ in the rapid cooling section, dew point temperature at the furnace nose is -40--42℃, air knife pressure is 189-210mBar, and the finishing rate is 3.5-4.5%. After that, the finished product is coiled.

[0020] The above method yields a 500MPa grade hot-dip galvanized low-density steel with low yield strength ratio and high corrosion resistance, along with its manufacturing method. Compared with existing technologies, the advantages are as follows: The steel of this invention has a yield strength ratio ≤0.638, tensile strength ≥500MPa, and elongation ≥29%. The yield strength ratio of low-density steel of the same strength grade is ≥0.72, while the yield strength ratio of the low-density steel in this invention is reduced to ≤0.638. While sulfur (S) is generally a harmful element in steel, this invention uses a small amount of MnS to reduce the continuity of δ-ferrite, thereby lowering the yield strength and effectively reducing the yield strength ratio. This reduces springback of parts during application and improves the first-pass yield rate. Because a certain amount of refractive acid (RE) is added to this invention, the corrosion potential is higher than that of low-density steel of the same strength grade, and the corrosion current is significantly lower, resulting in a significant improvement in corrosion resistance. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a typical metallographic structure composition of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will be further illustrated below through examples.

[0023] According to the component ratio of the technical solution, the embodiments of the present invention perform smelting, heating, rolling, heat treatment, and demagnetization treatment. The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the embodiments. These embodiments are merely descriptions of the best mode of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0024] Examples 1-10 are listed in Table 1 (chemical composition), Table 2 (hot rolling process parameters), and Table 3 (hot rolling mechanical properties). Table 4 (galvanizing annealing process), Table 5 (mechanical properties of galvanized test steel), and Table 6 (corrosion potential and corrosion current).

[0025] Table 1 Chemical composition of the examples, wt%

[0026] Table 2. Steel temperature, continuous casting start temperature, and light reduction in the examples.

[0027] Table 3 Hot rolling process of the embodiments

[0028] Table 4 Hot-rolled mechanical properties of the examples

[0029] Table 5. Galvanizing Annealing Process of Examples

[0030] Table 6. Performance after galvanizing in the examples

[0031] Table 7 Corrosion potential and corrosion current of the examples

[0032] To illustrate the present invention, the present invention has been appropriately and sufficiently described above through embodiments. The above embodiments are only for illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., should be included within the protection scope of the present invention. The patent protection scope of the present invention should be defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A 500MPa grade hot-dip galvanized low-density steel with low yield strength ratio and high corrosion resistance, characterized in that, By weight percentage, it comprises the following components: C: 0.065%–0.073%, Si: 0.42%–0.54%, Mn: 1.51%–1.62%, Al: 3.3%–6.5%, P: ≤0.010%, S: 0.01%–0.03%, RE: 0.01%–0.015%, with the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities.

2. The 500MPa grade, low yield strength ratio, and high corrosion resistance hot-dip galvanized low-density steel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microstructure of the steel is: δ-ferrite + martensite + retained austenite + sulfides, wherein the martensite content is 5.2%~7.0%, the retained austenite content is 3.5%~3.8%, and the sulfide composition is dispersed MnS and RE-SO, with a MnS to RE-SO ratio of 1.5~2.0:

1. MnS is dispersed around the grain boundaries of δ-ferrite and martensite, and RE-SO is distributed along the grain boundaries of δ-ferrite.

3. The 500MPa grade, low yield strength ratio, and high corrosion resistance hot-dip galvanized low-density steel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steel has a yield strength ratio ≤ 0.638, a tensile strength ≥ 500 MPa, and an elongation ≥ 29%.

4. A method for manufacturing 500MPa grade low yield strength ratio and high corrosion resistance hot-dip galvanized low-density steel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising converter steelmaking, continuous casting, hot continuous rolling, pickling, cold rolling, and hot-dip galvanizing, characterized in that, Hot rolling: The billet temperature is between 500 and 800℃ when it enters the furnace, the heating temperature is between 1210 and 1260℃, the initial rolling temperature is between 1140 and 1160℃, the final rolling temperature is above 910℃, the coiling temperature is between 520 and 560℃, and the thickness of the hot rolled coil is between 5.5 and 7.0 mm. Pickling + cold rolling: Total reduction rate is over 74%, and the thickness of the cold-rolled coil is 1.0 to 1.4 mm; The galvanizing annealing process is as follows: heating rate is 6-9℃ / s, dew point temperature is controlled at -27--29℃ during heating, annealing temperature is 820-840℃, annealing time is 23.9s-34s, dew point temperature is controlled at -31--33℃ during annealing, slow cooling to 720-740℃, rapid cooling to 462-470℃ before entering the zinc pot, rapid cooling section cooling rate is 7.35-8.2℃ / s, dew point temperature is controlled at -27--29℃ in the rapid cooling section, dew point temperature at the furnace nose is -40--42℃, air knife pressure is 189-210mBar, and the finishing rate is 3.5-4.5%. After that, the finished product is coiled.

5. The method for manufacturing a 500MPa grade, low yield strength ratio, and high corrosion resistance hot-dip galvanized low-density steel according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the converter steelmaking process, Si-Ca alloy is used for deoxidation in the batching to obtain molten steel that meets the composition requirements, and the temperature of the molten steel is between 1530 and 1580℃; in the continuous casting process, the casting temperature is between 1515 and 1541℃, and a light reduction is required during continuous casting production, with the amount of light reduction ranging from 3.4 to 5.5 mm.

Citation Information

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