Influence of copper on the structure and mechanical properties of pearlitic steels

Abstract

The structure and mechanical properties of pearlitic steels, which contain ~0.6% carbon and copper in the amount of 1.25 and 1.4%, have been studied in the states immediately after the pearlitic transformation (with different rates of cooling) and after tempering at 500°C. It has been established that tempered pearlitic steel with copper is 10–15% stronger than the steel of similar composition without copper. The strengthening of copper-containing pearlitic steel after tempering is caused by the precipitation of copper particles 5–20 nm in size in the ferritic regions of pearlite and in grains of free ferrite.