Original Article

The influence of Fe₂Nb on the microstructure and mechanical properties of hot-rolled low carbon niobium steel

Key Laboratory of Material Processing and Mold Technology, School of Mechanical Engineering, Chongqing Industry Polytechnic University, Chongqing, 401120, PR China

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Received: 17 August 2025
Accepted: 3 January 2026

Abstract

Design of a new strategy for the precipitation of Fe₂Nb Laves phases was applied to optimize the mechanical properties of Fe-0.2C-2Nb (wt.%) steel. The quantitative models between the microstructure parameters and mechanical properties were established to reveal aging characteristics and strengthening mechanism of Fe₂Nb Laves phases. The research found that the Fe₂Nb phases aged at 200 °C for 15 min can effectively pin the dislocations in the grain interior and make an outstanding contribution to strength. The yield strength of as-peak-aged sample can reach 592 MPa from 307 MPa of as-received sample, the ultimate tensile strength can reach 752 MPa from 452 MPa of as-received sample, the total elongation can reach 13.56% from 9.01% of as-received sample, and the product of strength and elongation can reach 10.20 GPa% from 4.07 GPa% of as-received sample.