High-Strength Steel Wire Cementite Decomposition

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The effects of alloying elements on the decomposition of cementite in pearlite steel wires, which affects mechanical characteristics, have not been thoroughly studied, and existing methods do not effectively improve the strength and ductility of pearlite steel wires through controlled decomposition behaviors.

Innovation Solution

A high-strength steel wire composition with 0.52% to 0.72% carbon, 0.6% to 0.8% manganese, 0.3% to 1.2% nickel, and 0.3% to 1.2% vanadium, along with a manufacturing process involving hot rolling and drawing at specific temperatures and cooling rates, is used to achieve a carbon content of 20 at.% or less in cementite within pearlite, resulting in a tensile strength of 1450 MPa or greater and elongation of 13% or greater.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If cold drawing process is applied to increase strength, then tensile strength is markedly increased, but cementite decomposition becomes uncontrolled and ductility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensile strengthVSAvoidductility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by adding specific alloying elements (nickel: 0.05-1.50 wt%, vanadium: 0.05-1.50 wt%) to the steel composition before the drawing process. These elements pre-condition the cementite structure to facilitate controlled decomposition during drawing, enabling both high strength (1450 MPa or more) and adequate ductility (13% or more elongation) to be achieved simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the carbon content in cementite to 20 at.% or less after drawing through compositional adjustments. This parameter control transforms the decomposition behavior of cementite during drawing, allowing the steel wire to achieve tensile strength of 1450 MPa or more while maintaining elongation of 13% or more, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and ductility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If alloying elements are added to control cementite decomposition, then mechanical characteristics are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical characteristicsVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by defining specific compositional ranges for alloying elements (carbon: 0.20-0.70 wt%, silicon: 0.03-0.50 wt%, manganese: 0.05-2.00 wt%, nickel: 0.05-1.50 wt%, vanadium: 0.05-1.50 wt%) to control cementite decomposition. This systematic parameter control achieves improved mechanical characteristics (tensile strength ≥1450 MPa, elongation ≥13%) while maintaining manufacturability through standardized compositional specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The described composition and process facilitate the decomposition of cementite, enhancing the tensile strength and ductility of the steel wire by stabilizing carbon in ferrite, thereby achieving improved mechanical properties.

Implementation Method 1

cementite included in pearlite is at least partially decomposed during a cold drawing process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCementite decomposition:

Implementation Method 2

stabilizing carbon in ferrite, thereby achieving improved mechanical properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolid solution strengthening: Solid Solution Strengthening

Implementation Method 3

finish hot rolling the heated steel billet at a temperature of 900°C to 1200°C to manufacture a wire rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHot rolling:

Implementation Method 4

cooling the wire rod to room temperature at a cooling rate of 5°C/s to 20°C/s

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectControlled cooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 5

drawing the cooled wire rod to manufacture a steel wire, wherein the drawing is performed at a strain (ε) of 60% to 90%

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP3336205B1High-strength steel wire and method of manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 POHANG IRON & STEEL CO LTD

AI summary

There are provided a high-strength steel wire configured to have markedly increased tensile strength after a drawing process, and a method of manufacturing the high-strength steel wire. According to an aspect, the high-strength steel wire includes, by wt%, carbon (C) : 0.52% to 0.72%, manganese (Mn) : 0.6% to 0.8%, silicon (Si) : 0.1% to 0.4%, nickel (Ni) : 0.3% to 1.2%, vanadium (V) : 0.3% to 1.2%, and a balance of iron (Fe) and inevitable impurities, wherein after a drawing process, the high-strength steel wire has a carbon content of 20 at. % or less in cementite within pearlite.