To examine how we
can control the strength of a strip steel whilst not changing its composition we need to
look in detail at how the microstructure (and hence strength level) develops during hot
rolling. In this example we will look at one steel chemistry - 0.13C, 1.3Mn (wt%).
Microstructures
Ferrite + pearlite
Ferrite + bainite (Ferrite + martensite will look similar)