Patent application title:

HIGH STRENGTH STEEL SHEET AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME

Publication number:

US20250197979A1

Publication date:
Application number:

18/846,913

Filed date:

2023-01-30

Smart Summary: A new type of steel sheet is created that is very strong, with a tensile strength of 980 MPa or higher and can stretch by at least 10% before breaking. It is made using a special mix of materials that gives it unique properties. In the steel, a large part (60% or more) is made up of a structure called martensite, which contributes to its strength. There are also specific amounts of other structures, like retained austenite and ferrite, that help balance its toughness and flexibility. This combination of materials and structures makes the steel sheet suitable for demanding applications. πŸš€ TL;DR

Abstract:

A high strength steel sheet having 980 MPa or higher tensile strength and 10% or more elongation and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The high strength steel sheet has a specific chemical composition and is such that in a region at ΒΌ sheet thickness, the area fraction of martensite is 60% or more, the volume fraction of retained austenite is 3% or more and 15% or less, the area fraction of the total of ferrite and bainitic ferrite is more than 10%, and the average of the proportions of packets having the largest area in prior austenite grains is 70% by area or less of the prior austenite grain.

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Classification:

C22C38/04 »  CPC main

Ferrous alloys, e.g. steel alloys containing manganese

C21D1/18 »  CPC further

General methods or devices for heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering Hardening ; Quenching with or without subsequent tempering

C21D6/005 »  CPC further

Heat treatment of ferrous alloys containing Mn

C21D8/0205 »  CPC further

Modifying the physical properties by deformation combined with, or followed by, heat treatment during manufacturing of plates or strips of ferrous alloys

C21D8/0226 »  CPC further

Modifying the physical properties by deformation combined with, or followed by, heat treatment during manufacturing of plates or strips characterised by the working steps Hot rolling

C21D8/0236 »  CPC further

Modifying the physical properties by deformation combined with, or followed by, heat treatment during manufacturing of plates or strips characterised by the working steps Cold rolling

C21D8/0273 »  CPC further

Modifying the physical properties by deformation combined with, or followed by, heat treatment during manufacturing of plates or strips characterised by the heat treatment Final recrystallisation annealing

C21D8/0278 »  CPC further

Modifying the physical properties by deformation combined with, or followed by, heat treatment during manufacturing of plates or strips involving a particular surface treatment

C21D9/46 »  CPC further

Heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering, adapted for particular articles; Furnaces therefor for sheet metals

C22C38/001 »  CPC further

Ferrous alloys, e.g. steel alloys containing N

C22C38/002 »  CPC further

Ferrous alloys, e.g. steel alloys containing In, Mg, or other elements not provided for in one single group Β -Β 

C22C38/02 »  CPC further

Ferrous alloys, e.g. steel alloys containing silicon

C22C38/06 »  CPC further

Ferrous alloys, e.g. steel alloys containing aluminium

C23C2/06 »  CPC further

Hot-dipping or immersion processes for applying the coating material in the molten state without affecting the shape; Apparatus therefor characterised by the coating material Zinc or cadmium or alloys based thereon

C21D2211/001 »  CPC further

Microstructure comprising significant phases Austenite

C21D2211/002 »  CPC further

Microstructure comprising significant phases Bainite

C21D2211/005 »  CPC further

Microstructure comprising significant phases Ferrite

C21D2211/008 »  CPC further

Microstructure comprising significant phases Martensite

C21D6/00 IPC

Heat treatment of ferrous alloys

C21D8/02 IPC

Modifying the physical properties by deformation combined with, or followed by, heat treatment during manufacturing of plates or strips

C22C38/00 IPC

Ferrous alloys, e.g. steel alloys

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is the U.S. National Phase application of PCT/JP2023/002917, filed Jan. 30, 2023 which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-049759, filed Mar. 25, 2022, the disclosures of these applications being incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a high strength steel sheet excellent in tensile strength, El, toughness, flatness in the width direction, and working embrittlement resistance, and to a method for manufacturing the same. The high strength steel sheet according to aspects of the present invention may be suitably used as structural members, such as automobile parts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Steel sheets for automobiles are being increased in strength in order to reduce CO2 emissions by weight reduction of vehicles and to enhance crashworthiness by weight reduction of automobile bodies at the same time, with introduction of new laws and regulations one after another. To increase the strength of automobile bodies, high strength steel sheets having a tensile strength (TS) of 980 MPa or higher grade are increasingly applied to principal structural parts of automobiles.

High strength steel sheets used in automobiles require excellent press formability. For example, high strength steel sheets with high El are suitably applied to automobile frame parts, such as bumpers. From the point of view of crash safety, excellent toughness and working embrittlement resistance are required.

Furthermore, high strength steel sheets used in automobiles require high flatness. Patent Literature 1 describes that warpage of a steel sheet causes operational troubles in forming lines and adversely affects the dimensional accuracy of products. The present inventors carried out extensive studies and have found that the dimensional accuracy of products is affected not only by the warpage of steel sheets but also by the flatness in the width direction that is evaluated as steepness. For example, the steepness in the width direction is suitably 0.02 or less in order to achieve excellent dimensional accuracy.

To meet the above demands, for example, Patent Literature 2 provides a high strength steel sheet having a tensile strength of 1100 MPa or more and being excellent in YR, surface quality, and weldability, and a method for manufacturing the same. However, the technique described in Patent Literature 2 does not take into consideration El, toughness, flatness in the width direction, and working embrittlement resistance.

Patent Literature 3 provides a hot-dip galvanized steel sheet with excellent press formability and low-temperature toughness that has a tensile strength of 980 MPa or more, and a method for manufacturing the same. While the steel sheet of Patent Literature 3 is improved in embrittlement at low temperatures, the technique does not take into consideration the working embrittlement of the steel sheet or the flatness in the width direction.

PATENT LITERATURE

    • PTL 1: Japanese Patent No. 4947176
    • PTL 2: Japanese Patent No. 6525114
    • PTL 3: Japanese Patent No. 6777272

Non Patent Literature

    • NPL 1: Journal of Smart Processing, 2013, Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 110-118

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention have been developed in view of the circumstances discussed above. Objects of aspects of the present invention are therefore to provide a high strength steel sheet having 980 MPa or higher TS and 10% or more El and being excellent in toughness, flatness in the width direction, and working embrittlement resistance; and to provide a method for manufacturing the same.

The present inventors carried out extensive studies directed to solving the problems described above and have consequently found the following facts.

    • (1) 980 MPa or higher TS can be realized by limiting the area fraction of martensite to 60% or more.
    • (2) 10% or more El can be achieved by limiting the volume fraction of retained austenite to 3% or more and the area fraction of the total of ferrite and bainitic ferrite to more than 10%.
    • (3) Excellent toughness can be realized by limiting the volume fraction of retained austenite to 3% or more.
    • (4) Excellent working embrittlement resistance can be achieved by limiting the proportion of a packet having the largest area in a prior austenite grain to 70% by area or less on average.
    • (5) Excellent working embrittlement resistance can be realized by limiting the volume fraction of retained austenite to 15% or less and by limiting the proportion of a packet having the largest area in a prior austenite grain to 70% by area or less on average.

Aspects of the present invention have been made based on the above findings. Specifically, a summary of aspects of the present invention is as follows.

    • [1] A high strength steel sheet having a chemical composition including, in mass %, C: 0.030% or more and 0.500% or less, Si: 0.50% or more and 2.50% or less, Mn: 1.00% or more and 5.00% or less, P: 0.100% or less, S: 0.0200% or less, Al: 1.000% or less, N: 0.0100% or less, and O: 0.0100% or less, a balance being Fe and incidental impurities, the high strength steel sheet being such that in a region at ΒΌ sheet thickness, an area fraction of martensite is 60% or more, a volume fraction of retained austenite is 3% or more and 15% or less, an area fraction of a total of ferrite and bainitic ferrite is more than 10%, and an average of proportions of packets having the largest area in prior austenite grains is 70% by area or less of the prior austenite grain.
    • [2] The high strength steel sheet according to [1], wherein the chemical composition further includes at least one element selected from, in mass %, Ti: 0.200% or less, Nb: 0.200% or less, V: 0.200% or less, Ta: 0.10% or less, W: 0.10% or less, B: 0.0100% or less, Cr: 1.00% or less, Mo: 1.00% or less, Co: 0.010% or less, Ni: 1.00% or less, Cu: 1.00% or less, Sn: 0.200% or less, Sb: 0.200% or less, Ca: 0.0100% or less, Mg: 0.0100% or less, REM: 0.0100% or less, Zr: 0.100% or less, Te: 0.100% or less, Hf: 0.10% or less, and Bi: 0.200% or less.
    • [3] The high strength steel sheet according to [1] or [2], which has a coated layer on a surface of the steel sheet.
    • [4] A method for manufacturing the high strength steel sheet according to [1] or [2], the method including providing a cold rolled steel sheet produced by subjecting a steel having the chemical composition to hot rolling, pickling, and cold rolling; annealing the steel sheet by heating at an annealing temperature Ta of 700Β° C. or above and 900Β° C. or below for a holding time at the annealing temperature Ta of 10 seconds or more and 1000 seconds or less; bending and unbending the steel sheet 1 to 15 times in total with a roll having a radius of 800 mm or less during the annealing; cooling the steel sheet at an average cooling rate of 20Β° C./s or more in a temperature range from 700Β° C. to 600Β° C. and at an average cooling rate of less than 20Β° C./s in a temperature range from 499Β° C. to Ms; bending and unbending the steel sheet in the temperature range from 499Β° C. to Ms, 1 to 15 times in total with a roll having a radius of 800 mm or less; cooling the steel sheet at an average cooling rate of 150Β° C./s or less in a temperature range from Ms to a cooling stop temperature Tb; applying a tension to the steel sheet in the temperature range from Ms to the cooling stop temperature Tb while controlling the tension to 5 MPa or more and 100 MPa or less, the cooling stop temperature Tb being 100Β° C. or above and (Msβˆ’80Β° C.) or below where Ms is a martensite start temperature (Β° C.) defined by formula (1); and tempering the steel sheet at a tempering temperature of Tb or above and 450Β° C. or below for a holding time at the tempering temperature of 10 seconds or more and 1000 seconds or less,

Ms = 519 - 474 Γ— [ % ⁒ C ] - 30.4 Γ— [ % ⁒ Mn ] - 12.1 Γ— [ % ⁒ Cr ] - 7.5 Γ— [ % ⁒ Mo ] - 17.7 Γ— [ % ⁒ Ni ] - Ta / 80 ( 1 )

wherein [% C], [% Mn], [% Cr], [% Mo], and [% Ni] indicate the contents (mass %) of C, Mn, Cr, Mo, and Ni, respectively, and are zero when the element is absent.

    • [5] The method for manufacturing the high strength steel sheet according to [4], further including performing a coating treatment.

According to aspects of the present invention, a high strength steel sheet can be obtained that has 980 MPa or higher TS and 10% or more El and excels in toughness, flatness in the width direction, and working embrittlement resistance. Furthermore, for example, the high strength steel sheet according to aspects of the present invention may be applied to automobile structural members to reduce the weight of automobile bodies and thereby to enhance fuel efficiency. Thus, aspects of the present invention are highly valuable in industry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a set of views illustrating a structure of a packet having the largest area in a prior austenite grain according to an embodiment of the present invention, and how the proportion of the packet is calculated.

FIG. 2 is a set of views illustrating the concept of the steepness Ξ» in the width direction of a steel sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention, and how the steepness is calculated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

First, appropriate ranges of the chemical composition of the high strength steel sheet and the reasons why the chemical composition is thus limited will be described. In the following description, β€œ%” indicating the contents of constituent elements of steel means β€œmass %” unless otherwise specified.

[C: 0.030% or More and 0.500% or Less]

Carbon is one of the important basic components of steel. Particularly in accordance with aspects of the present invention, carbon is an important element that affects the amount of martensite. When the C content is less than 0.030%, the amount of martensite is so small that realizing 980 MPa or higher TS is difficult. When, on the other hand, the C content is more than 0.500%, martensite becomes brittle to cause deterioration in toughness and working embrittlement resistance. Thus, the C content is limited to 0.030% or more and 0.500% or less. The lower limit of the C content is preferably 0.050% or more. The upper limit of the C content is preferably 0.400% or less. The lower limit of the C content is more preferably 0.100% or more. The upper limit of the C content is more preferably 0.350% or less.

[Si: 0.50% or More and 2.50% or Less]

Silicon is one of the important basic components of steel and is an important element that affects TS and the amount of retained austenite. When the Si content is less than 0.50%, the strength of martensite decreases to make it difficult to achieve 980 MPa or higher TS. When, on the other hand, the Si content is more than 2.50%, the amount of retained austenite is increased excessively, and toughness and working embrittlement resistance are lowered. Thus, the Si content is limited to 0.50% or more and 2.50% or less. The lower limit of the Si content is preferably 0.55% or more. The upper limit of the Si content is preferably 2.00% or less. The lower limit of the Si content is more preferably 0.60% or more. The upper limit of the Si content is more preferably 1.80% or less.

[Mn: 1.00% or More and 5.00% or Less]

Manganese is one of the important basic components of steel and is an important element that affects the amount of martensite. When the Mn content is less than 1.00%, the amount of martensite is so small that realizing 980 MPa or higher TS is difficult. When, on the other hand, the Mn content is more than 5.00%, martensite becomes brittle to cause deterioration in toughness and working embrittlement resistance. Thus, the Mn content is limited to 1.00% or more and 5.00% or less. The lower limit of the Mn content is preferably 1.50% or more. The upper limit of the Mn content is preferably 4.50% or less. The lower limit of the Mn content is more preferably 2.00% or more. The upper limit of the Mn content is more preferably 4.00% or less.

[P: 0.100% or Less]

Phosphorus is segregated at prior austenite grain boundaries and makes the grain boundaries brittle, thereby lowering the ultimate deformability of steel sheets and causing deterioration in toughness and working embrittlement resistance. Thus, the P content needs to be 0.100% or less. The lower limit of the P content is not particularly specified. In view of the fact that phosphorus is a solid solution strengthening element and can increase the strength of steel sheets, the lower limit is preferably 0.001% or more. For the reasons above, the P content is limited to 0.100% or less. The lower limit of the P content is preferably 0.001% or more. The upper limit of the P content is preferably 0.070% or less.

[S: 0.0200% or Less]

Sulfur forms sulfides and lowers the ultimate deformability of steel sheets to cause deterioration in toughness and working embrittlement resistance. Thus, the S content needs to be 0.0200% or less. The lower limit of the S content is not particularly specified but is preferably 0.0001% or more due to production technique limitations. For the reasons above, the S content is limited to 0.0200% or less. The lower limit of the S content is preferably 0.0001% or more. The upper limit of the S content is preferably 0.0050% or less.

[Al: 1.000% or Less]

Aluminum forms the oxide and lowers the ultimate deformability of steel sheets to cause deterioration in toughness and working embrittlement resistance. Thus, the Al content needs to be 1.000% or less. The lower limit of the Al content is not particularly specified. In view of the fact that aluminum suppresses the occurrence of carbides during continuous annealing and promotes the formation of retained austenite, the Al content is preferably 0.001% or more. For the reasons above, the Al content is limited to 1.000% or less. The lower limit of the Al content is preferably 0.001% or more. The upper limit of the Al content is preferably 0.500% or less.

[N: 0.0100% or Less]

Nitrogen forms nitrides and lowers the ultimate deformability of steel sheets to cause deterioration in toughness and working embrittlement resistance. Thus, the N content needs to be 0.0100% or less. The lower limit of the N content is not particularly specified but the N content is preferably 0.0001% or more due to production technique limitations. For the reasons above, the N content is limited to 0.0100% or less. The lower limit of the N content is preferably 0.0001% or more. The upper limit of the N content is preferably 0.0050% or less.

[O: 0.0100% or Less]

Oxygen forms oxides and lowers the ultimate deformability of steel sheets to cause deterioration in toughness and working embrittlement resistance. Thus, the O content needs to be 0.0100% or less. The lower limit of the O content is not particularly specified but the O content is preferably 0.0001% or more due to production technique limitations. For the reasons above, the O content is limited to 0.0100% or less. The lower limit of the O content is preferably 0.0001% or more. The upper limit of the O content is preferably 0.0050% or less.

The chemical composition of the high strength steel sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the components described above, and the balance is Fe and incidental impurities. Here, the incidental impurities include Zn, Pb, As, Ge, Sr, and Cs. A total of 0.100% or less of these impurities is acceptable.

In addition to the components in the proportions described above, the high strength steel sheet according to aspects of the present invention may further include at least one element selected from, in mass %, Ti: 0.200% or less, Nb: 0.200% or less, V: 0.200% or less, Ta: 0.10% or less, W: 0.10% or less, B: 0.0100% or less, Cr: 1.00% or less, Mo: 1.00% or less, Ni: 1.00% or less, Co: 0.010% or less, Cu: 1.00% or less, Sn: 0.200% or less, Sb: 0.200% or less, Ca: 0.0100% or less, Mg: 0.0100% or less, REM: 0.0100% or less, Zr: 0.100% or less, Te: 0.100% or less, Hf: 0.10% or less, and Bi: 0.200% or less. These elements may be contained singly or in combination.

When the contents of Ti, Nb, and V are each 0.200% or less, coarse precipitates and inclusions will not occur in large amounts and thus will not cause lowering of the ultimate deformability of steel sheets; hence there will be no deterioration in toughness or working embrittlement resistance. Thus, the contents of Ti, Nb, and V are each preferably 0.200% or less. The lower limits of the contents of Ti, Nb, and V are not particularly specified. These elements form fine carbides, nitrides, or carbonitrides during hot rolling or continuous annealing to increase the strength of steel sheets. In view of this fact, the contents of Ti, Nb, and V are each more preferably 0.001% or more. When titanium, niobium, and vanadium are added, the contents thereof are each limited to 0.200% or less for the reasons above. The lower limits of the contents of Ti, Nb, and V, when added, are each more preferably 0.001% or more. The upper limits of the contents of Ti, Nb, and V, when added, are each more preferably 0.100% or less.

When the contents of Ta and W are each 0.10% or less, coarse precipitates and inclusions will not occur in large amounts and thus will not cause lowering of the ultimate deformability of steel sheets; hence there will be no deterioration in toughness or working embrittlement resistance. Thus, the contents of Ta and W are each preferably 0.10% or less. The lower limits of the contents of Ta and W are not particularly specified. These elements form fine carbides, nitrides, or carbonitrides during hot rolling or continuous annealing to increase the strength of steel sheets. In view of this fact, the contents of Ta and W are each more preferably 0.01% or more. When tantalum and tungsten are added, the contents thereof are each limited to 0.10% or less for the reasons above. The lower limits of the contents of Ta and W, when added, are each more preferably 0.01% or more. The upper limits of the contents of Ta and W, when added, are each more preferably 0.08% or less.

When the B content is 0.0100% or less, inner cracks that lower the ultimate deformability of steel sheets will not form during casting or hot rolling and thus there will be no deterioration in toughness or working embrittlement resistance. Thus, the B content is preferably 0.0100% or less. The lower limit of the B content is not particularly specified. The B content is more preferably 0.0003% or more in view of the fact that this element is segregated at austenite grain boundaries during annealing and enhances hardenability. When boron is added, the content thereof is limited to 0.0100% or less for the reasons above. The lower limit of the content of B, when added, is more preferably 0.0003% or more. The upper limit of the content of B, when added, is more preferably 0.0080% or less.

When the contents of Cr, Mo, and Ni are each 1.00% or less, coarse precipitates and inclusions will not occur in increased amounts and thus will not cause lowering of the ultimate deformability of steel sheets; hence there will be no deterioration in toughness or working embrittlement resistance. Thus, the contents of Cr, Mo, and Ni are each preferably 1.00% or less. The lower limits of the contents of Cr, Mo, and Ni are not particularly specified. In view of the fact that these elements enhance hardenability, the contents of Cr, Mo, and Ni are each more preferably 0.01% or more. When chromium, molybdenum, and nickel are added, the contents thereof are each limited to 1.00% or less for the reasons above. The lower limits of the contents of Cr, Mo, and Ni, when added, are each more preferably 0.01% or more. The upper limits of the contents of Cr, Mo, and Ni, when added, are each more preferably 0.80% or less.

When the Co content is 0.010% or less, coarse precipitates and inclusions will not occur in increased amounts and thus will not cause lowering of the ultimate deformability of steel sheets; hence there will be no deterioration in toughness or working embrittlement resistance. Thus, the Co content is preferably 0.010% or less. The lower limit of the Co content is not particularly specified. In view of the fact that this element enhances hardenability, the Co content is more preferably 0.001% or more. When cobalt is added, the content thereof is limited to 0.010% or less for the reasons above. The lower limit of the content of Co, when added, is more preferably 0.001% or more. The upper limit of the content of Co, when added, is more preferably 0.008% or less.

When the Cu content is 1.00% or less, coarse precipitates and inclusions will not occur in increased amounts and thus will not cause lowering of the ultimate deformability of steel sheets; hence there will be no deterioration in toughness or working embrittlement resistance. Thus, the Cu content is preferably 1.00% or less. The lower limit of the Cu content is not particularly specified. In view of the fact that this element enhances hardenability, the Cu content is preferably 0.01% or more. When copper is added, the content thereof is limited to 1.00% or less for the reasons above. The lower limit of the content of Cu, when added, is more preferably 0.01% or more. The upper limit of the content of Cu, when added, is more preferably 0.80% or less.

When the Sn content is 0.200% or less, inner cracks that lower the ultimate deformability of steel sheets will not form during casting or hot rolling and thus there will be no deterioration in toughness or working embrittlement resistance. Thus, the Sn content is preferably 0.200% or less. The lower limit of the Sn content is not particularly specified. The Sn content is more preferably 0.001% or more in view of the fact that tin enhances hardenability (in general, is an element that enhances corrosion resistance). When tin is added, the content thereof is limited to 0.200% or less for the reasons above. The lower limit of the content of Sn, when added, is more preferably 0.001% or more. The upper limit of the content of Sn, when added, is more preferably 0.100% or less.

When the Sb content is 0.200% or less, coarse precipitates and inclusions will not occur in increased amounts and thus will not cause lowering of the ultimate deformability of steel sheets; hence there will be no deterioration in toughness or working embrittlement resistance. Thus, the Sb content is preferably 0.200% or less. The lower limit of the Sb content is not particularly specified. In view of the fact that this element enables control of the thickness of surface layer softening and the strength, the Sb content is more preferably 0.001% or more. When antimony is added, the content thereof is limited to 0.200% or less for the reasons above. The lower limit of the content of Sb, when added, is more preferably 0.001% or more. The upper limit of the content of Sb, when added, is more preferably 0.100% or less.

When the contents of Ca, Mg, and REM are each 0.0100% or less, coarse precipitates and inclusions will not occur in increased amounts and thus will not cause lowering of the ultimate deformability of steel sheets; hence there will be no deterioration in toughness or working embrittlement resistance. Thus, the contents of Ca, Mg, and REM are each preferably 0.0100% or less. The lower limits of the contents of Ca, Mg, and REM are not particularly specified. In view of the fact that these elements change the shapes of nitrides and sulfides into spheroidal and enhance the ultimate deformability of steel sheets, the contents of Ca, Mg, and REM are each more preferably 0.0005% or more. When calcium, magnesium, and rare earth metal(s) are added, the contents thereof are each limited to 0.0100% or less for the reasons above. The lower limits of the contents of Ca, Mg, and REM, when added, are each more preferably 0.0005% or more. The upper limits of the contents of Ca, Mg, and REM, when added, are each more preferably 0.0050% or less.

When the contents of Zr and Te are each 0.100% or less, coarse precipitates and inclusions will not occur in increased amounts and thus will not cause lowering of the ultimate deformability of steel sheets; hence there will be no deterioration in toughness or working embrittlement resistance. Thus, the contents of Zr and Te are each preferably 0.100% or less. The lower limits of the contents of Zr and Te are not particularly specified. In view of the fact that these elements change the shapes of nitrides and sulfides into spheroidal and enhance the ultimate deformability of steel sheets, the contents of Zr and Te are each more preferably 0.001% or more. When zirconium and tellurium are added, the contents thereof are each limited to 0.100% or less for the reasons above. The lower limits of the contents of Zr and Te, when added, are each more preferably 0.001% or more. The upper limits of the contents of Zr and Te, when added, are each more preferably 0.080% or less.

When the Hf content is 0.10% or less, coarse precipitates and inclusions will not occur in increased amounts and thus will not cause lowering of the ultimate deformability of steel sheets; hence there will be no deterioration in toughness or working embrittlement resistance. Thus, the Hf content is preferably 0.10% or less. The lower limit of the Hf content is not particularly specified. In view of the fact that this element changes the shapes of nitrides and sulfides into spheroidal and enhances the ultimate deformability of steel sheets, the Hf content is more preferably 0.01% or more. When hafnium is added, the content thereof is limited to 0.10% or less for the reasons above. The lower limit of the content of Hf, when added, is more preferably 0.01% or more. The upper limit of the content of Hf, when added, is more preferably 0.08% or less.

When the Bi content is 0.200% or less, coarse precipitates and inclusions will not occur in increased amounts and thus will not cause lowering of the ultimate deformability of steel sheets; hence there will be no deterioration in toughness or working embrittlement resistance. Thus, the Bi content is preferably 0.200% or less. The lower limit of the Bi content is not particularly specified. In view of the fact that this element reduces the occurrence of segregation, the Bi content is more preferably 0.001% or more. When bismuth is added, the content thereof is limited to 0.200% or less for the reasons above. The lower limit of the content of Bi, when added, is more preferably 0.001% or more. The upper limit of the content of Bi, when added, is more preferably 0.100% or less.

When the content of any of Ti, Nb, V, Ta, W, B, Cr, Mo, Ni, Co, Cu, Sn, Sb, Ca, Mg, REM, Zr, Te, Hf, and Bi is below the preferred lower limit, the element does not impair the advantageous effects according to aspects of the present invention and is regarded as an incidental impurity.

Next, the steel microstructure of the high strength steel sheet according to aspects of the present invention will be described.

[Area Fraction of Martensite: 60% or More]

This configuration is a very important requirement that constitutes an aspect of the present invention. 980 MPa or higher TS can be achieved when the area fraction of martensite is 60% or more. Thus, the area fraction of martensite is limited to 60% or more. The area fraction is preferably 62% or more, and more preferably 64% or more.

[Volume Fraction of Retained Austenite: 3% or More and 15% or Less]

This configuration is a very important requirement that constitutes an aspect of the present invention. When the volume fraction of retained austenite is less than 3%, it is difficult to realize 10% or more El and it is also difficult to attain excellent toughness because the toughness enhancement effect by retained austenite cannot be obtained. When the amount of retained austenite is more than 15%, retained austenite is excessively transformed into hard martensite at the time of working and the steel sheet is lowered in ultimate deformability and will not attain excellent working embrittlement resistance. Thus, the retained austenite is limited to 3% or more and 15% or less. The lower limit of the amount of retained austenite is preferably 5% or more. The upper limit of the amount of retained austenite is preferably 14% or less. The lower limit of the amount of retained austenite is more preferably 7% or more. The upper limit of the amount of retained austenite is more preferably 13% or less.

Here, retained austenite is measured as follows. The steel sheet is polished to expose a face 0.1 mm below ΒΌ sheet thickness and is thereafter further chemically polished to expose a face 0.1 mm below the face exposed above. The face is analyzed with an X-ray diffractometer using CoKΞ± radiation to determine the integral intensity ratios of the diffraction peaks of {200}, {220}, and {311} planes of fcc iron and {200}, {211}, and {220} planes of bcc iron. Nine integral intensity ratios thus obtained are averaged to determine retained austenite.

[Area Fraction of the Total of Ferrite and Bainitic Ferrite: More than 10%]

This configuration is a very important requirement that constitutes an aspect of the present invention. When the total amount of ferrite and bainitic ferrite is 10% or less, it is difficult to achieve 10% or more El. Thus, the total amount of ferrite and bainitic ferrite is limited to more than 10%. The total amount is preferably 12% or more, and more preferably 13% or more. The upper limit of the total amount of ferrite and bainitic ferrite is not particularly limited.

Here, the total amount of ferrite and bainitic ferrite is measured as follows. A longitudinal cross section of the steel sheet is polished and is etched with 3 vol % Nital. A portion at ΒΌ sheet thickness (a location corresponding to ΒΌ of the sheet thickness in the depth direction from the steel sheet surface) is observed using SEM in 10 fields of view at a magnification of Γ—2000. In the microstructure images, ferrite and bainitic ferrite are recessed structures having a flat interior and containing no inner carbides. The values thus obtained are averaged to determine the total amount of ferrite and bainitic ferrite.

The amount of martensite is measured as follows. The amount of martensite can be determined by measuring the amounts of retained austenite, ferrite, and bainitic ferrite based on the methods described above, and subtracting the total thereof from 100%. Thus, the amount of martensite in accordance with aspects of the present invention includes both quenched martensite and tempered martensite. Because the volume fraction of retained austenite is almost equal to the area fraction, the amount is subtracted as such from 100% together with the amounts of ferrite and bainitic ferrite expressed in area fraction.

[Average of the Proportions of Packets Having the Largest Area in Prior Austenite Grains: 70% by Area or Less]

This configuration is a very important requirement that constitutes an aspect of the present invention. The proportion of a packet having the largest area in a prior austenite grain affects the flatness in the width direction and the working embrittlement resistance. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a prior austenite grain contains up to four kinds of packets distinguished by crystal habit plane formed by transformation. The packet having the largest area in a prior austenite grain is the packet that occupies the largest area among such packets.

The proportion of one packet in a prior austenite grain is determined by dividing the area of the packet of interest by the area of the whole prior austenite grain.

As a result of extensive studies, the present inventors have found that strain among the packets is reduced and the flatness in the width direction is improved by lowering the proportion of a packet having the largest area in a prior austenite grain. The present inventors have also found that lowering the proportion of a packet having the largest area in a prior austenite grain leads to a fine microstructure and suppresses crack propagation, thereby enhancing the working embrittlement resistance of the steel sheet. Thus, the average of the proportions of packets having the largest area in prior austenite grains is limited to 70% or less. The average proportion is preferably 60% or less. The lower limit of the average proportion of packets having the largest area in prior austenite grains is not particularly limited. The grains contain up to four kinds of packets. When four packets are evenly distributed, the proportion of a packet having the largest area in the prior austenite grain is 25%. Thus, the lower limit of the average proportion of packets having the largest area in prior austenite grains is preferably 25% or more. However, the lower limit of the average proportion is not necessarily limited thereto.

Here, the average proportion of packets having the largest area in prior austenite grains is measured as follows. First, a test specimen for microstructure observation is sampled from the cold rolled steel sheet. Next, the sampled test specimen is polished by vibration polishing with colloidal silica to expose a cross section in the rolling direction (a longitudinal cross section) for use as observation surface. The observation surface is specular. Next, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) measurement is performed with respect to a portion at ΒΌ sheet thickness (a location corresponding to ΒΌ of the sheet thickness in the depth direction from the steel sheet surface) to obtain local crystal orientation data. Here, the SEM magnification is Γ—1000, the step size is 0.2 ΞΌm, the measured region is 80 ΞΌm square, and the WD is 15 mm. The local orientation data obtained is analyzed with OIM Analysis 7 (OIM), and a map (a CP map) that shows close-packed plane groups (CP groups) with different colors is created using the method described in Non Patent Literature 1. In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a packet is defined as a region or regions belonging to the same CP group. From the CP map obtained, the area of the packet having the largest area is determined and is divided by the area of the whole prior austenite grain to give the proportion of the packet having the largest area in the prior austenite grain. This analysis is performed with respect to 10 or more adjacent prior austenite grains, and the results are averaged to give the average proportion of packets having the largest area in prior austenite grains.

Next, a manufacturing method according to aspects of the present invention will be described.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a steel material (a steel slab) may be obtained by any known steelmaking method without limitation, such as a converter or an electric arc furnace. To prevent macro-segregation, the steel slab (the slab) is preferably produced by a continuous casting method.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the slab heating temperature, the slab soaking holding time, and the coiling temperature in hot rolling are not particularly limited. For example, the steel slab may be hot rolled in such a manner that the slab is heated and is then rolled, that the slab is subjected to hot direct rolling after continuous casting without being heated, or that the slab is subjected to a short heat treatment after continuous casting and is then rolled. The slab heating temperature, the slab soaking holding time, the finish rolling temperature, and the coiling temperature in hot rolling are not particularly limited. The lower limit of the slab heating temperature is preferably 1100Β° C. or above. The upper limit of the slab heating temperature is preferably 1300Β° C. or below. The lower limit of the slab soaking holding time is preferably 30 minutes or more. The upper limit of the slab soaking holding time is preferably 250 minutes or less. The lower limit of the finish rolling temperature is preferably Ar3 transformation temperature or above. Furthermore, the lower limit of the coiling temperature is preferably 350Β° C. or above. The upper limit of the coiling temperature is preferably 650Β° C. or below.

The hot rolled steel sheet thus produced is pickled. Pickling can remove oxides on the steel sheet surface and is thus important to ensure good chemical convertibility and a high quality of coating in the final high strength steel sheet. Pickling may be performed at a time or several. The hot rolled sheet that has been pickled may be cold rolled directly or may be subjected to heat treatment before cold rolling.

The rolling reduction in cold rolling and the sheet thickness after rolling are not particularly limited. The lower limit of the rolling reduction is preferably 30% or more. The upper limit of the rolling reduction is preferably 80% or less. The advantageous effects according to aspects of the present invention may be obtained without any limitations on the number of rolling passes and the rolling reduction in each pass.

The cold rolled steel sheet obtained as described above is annealed. Annealing conditions are as follows.

[Annealing Temperature Ta: 700Β° C. or Above and 900Β° C. or Below]

When the annealing temperature Ta is below 700Β° C., the amount of martensite is so small that realizing 980 MPa or higher TS is difficult. When, on the other hand, the annealing temperature is above 900Β° C., the total amount of ferrite and bainitic ferrite decreases to make it difficult to achieve 10% or more El. Thus, the annealing temperature is limited to 700Β° C. or above and 900Β° C. or below. The lower limit of the annealing temperature is preferably 750Β° C. or above. The upper limit of the annealing temperature is preferably 870Β° C. or below.

[Holding Time During Annealing at the Annealing Temperature Ta: 10 Seconds or More and 1000 Seconds or Less]

When the holding time at the annealing temperature Ta is less than 10 seconds, the amount of martensite is so small that realizing 980 MPa or higher TS is difficult. When, on the other hand, the holding time at the annealing temperature Ta is more than 1000 seconds, the total amount of ferrite and bainitic ferrite decreases to make it difficult to achieve 10% or more El. Thus, the holding time at the annealing temperature Ta is limited to 10 seconds or more and 1000 seconds or less. The lower limit of the holding time at the annealing temperature Ta is preferably 50 seconds or more. The upper limit of the holding time at the annealing temperature Ta is preferably 500 seconds or less.

[During the Annealing, the Steel Sheet is Bent and Unbent 1 to 15 Times in Total with a Roll Having a Radius of 800 mm or Less.]

As a result of extensive studies, the present inventors have found that bending and unbending of the steel sheet during annealing affects the proportion of a packet having the largest area in a prior austenite grain. When the steel sheet being annealed is not subjected to bending and unbending with a roll having a radius of 800 mm or less, the amount of nucleation sites for martensite transformation is reduced. Consequently, the average proportion of packets having the largest area in prior austenite grains exceeds 70%, and the flatness in the width direction and also the working embrittlement resistance are deteriorated. When, on the other hand, the steel sheet being annealed is subjected to bending and unbending 16 times or more with a roll having a radius of 800 mm or less, the steel sheet is deteriorated in ultimate deformability and also in working embrittlement resistance. Thus, in the annealing, the total count of bending and unbending with a roll having a radius of 800 mm or less is limited to 1 or more and 15 or less. The radius of the roll is preferably 600 mm or less. The lower limit of the total count of bending and unbending is preferably 3 or more. The upper limit of the total count of bending and unbending is preferably 10 or less. The lower limit of the radius of the roll is not necessarily limited but is preferably 50 mm or more.

Incidentally, β€œbending and unbending” is a treatment that bends the steel sheet with a roll in one direction according to a known technique and unbends the steel sheet in the opposite direction to cancel the bend. Bending and unbending are not counted in pairs. That is, each bending is counted one and each unbending is counted one.

[Average Cooling Rate in the Temperature Range from 700Β° C. to 600Β° C.: 20Β° C./s or More]

As a result of extensive studies, the present inventors have found that the average cooling rate in the temperature range from 700Β° C. to 600Β° C. affects the proportion of a packet having the largest area in a prior austenite grain. When the average cooling rate in the temperature range from 700Β° C. to 600Β° C. is less than 20Β° C./s, the effects imparted by bending and unbending of the steel sheet during annealing are lowered and the amount of nucleation sites for martensite transformation is reduced. Consequently, the average proportion of packets having the largest area in prior austenite grains exceeds 70%, and the flatness in the width direction and also the working embrittlement resistance are deteriorated. Thus, the average cooling rate from 700Β° C. to 600Β° C. is limited to 20Β° C./s or more and is preferably 30Β° C./s or more. The upper limit is not necessarily limited but is preferably 100Β° C./s or less.

[Average Cooling Rate in the Temperature Range from 499Β° C. to Ms: Less than 20Β° C./s]

The average cooling rate in the temperature range from 499Β° C. to Ms affects the total area fraction of ferrite and bainitic ferrite. When the average cooling rate in the temperature range from 499Β° C. to Ms is 20Β° C./s or more, the total amount of ferrite and bainitic ferrite decreases to make it difficult to achieve 10% or more El. Thus, the average cooling rate in the temperature range from 499Β° C. to Ms is limited to less than 20Β° C./s. The average cooling rate is preferably 18Β° C./s or less. The lower limit is not necessarily limited but is preferably 5Β° C./s or more.

The martensite start temperature Ms (Β° C.) is defined by the following formula (1):

Ms = 519 - 474 Γ— [ % ⁒ C ] - 30.4 Γ— [ % ⁒ Mn ] - 12.1 Γ— [ % ⁒ Cr ] - 7.5 Γ— [ % ⁒ Mo ] - 17.7 Γ— [ % ⁒ Ni ] - Ta / 80 ( 1 )

wherein [% C], [% Mn], [% Cr], [% Mo], and [% Ni] indicate the contents (mass %) of C, Mn, Cr, Mo, and Ni, respectively, and are zero when the element is absent.
[The Steel Sheet in the Temperature Range from 499Β° C. to Ms is Bent and Unbent 1 to 15 Times in Total with a Roll Having a Radius of 800 mm or Less.]

As a result of extensive studies, the present inventors have found that bending and unbending of the steel sheet in the temperature range from 499Β° C. to Ms affects the proportion of a packet having the largest area in a prior austenite grain. When the steel sheet in the temperature range from 499Β° C. to Ms is not subjected to bending and unbending with a roll having a radius of 800 mm or less, the amount of martensite nucleation sites is reduced. Consequently, the average proportion of packets having the largest area in prior austenite grains exceeds 70%, and the flatness in the width direction and also the working embrittlement resistance are deteriorated. When, on the other hand, the steel sheet in the temperature range from 499Β° C. to Ms is subjected to bending and unbending 16 times or more with a roll having a radius of 800 mm or less, the steel sheet is deteriorated in ultimate deformability and also in working embrittlement resistance. Thus, the total count of bending and unbending in the temperature range from 499Β° C. to Ms with a roll having a radius of 800 mm or less is limited to 1 or more and 15 or less. The radius of the roll is preferably 600 mm or less. The lower limit of the total count of bending and unbending is preferably 3 or more. The upper limit of the total count of bending and unbending is preferably 10 or less. The lower limit of the radius of the roll is not necessarily limited but is preferably 50 mm or more.

[Average Cooling Rate in the Temperature Range from Ms to Cooling Stop Temperature Tb: 150Β° C./s or Less]

As a result of extensive studies, the present inventors have found that the average cooling rate in the temperature range from Ms to the cooling stop temperature Tb affects the proportion of a packet having the largest area in a prior austenite grain. When the average cooling rate in the temperature range from Ms to the cooling stop temperature Tb is more than 150Β° C./s, the martensite transformation rate is so fast that a packet grows fast easily. Consequently, the average proportion of packets having the largest area in prior austenite grains exceeds 70%, and the flatness in the width direction and also the working embrittlement resistance are deteriorated. Thus, the average cooling rate in the temperature range from Ms to the cooling stop temperature Tb is limited to 150Β° C./s or less. The average cooling rate is preferably 120Β° C./s or less. The lower limit is not necessarily limited but is preferably 5Β° C./s or more.

[Tension Applied to the Steel Sheet in the Temperature Range from Ms to the Cooling Stop Temperature Tb: 5 MPa or More and 100 MPa or Less]

As a result of extensive studies, the present inventors have found that the application of tension to the steel sheet in the temperature range from Ms to the cooling stop temperature Tb affects the proportion of a packet having the largest area in a prior austenite grain. When the tension applied to the steel sheet in the temperature range from Ms to the cooling stop temperature Tb is less than 5 MPa, the amount of martensite nucleation sites is reduced. Consequently, the average proportion of packets having the largest area in prior austenite grains exceeds 70%, and the flatness in the width direction and also the working embrittlement resistance are deteriorated. When, on the other hand, more than 100 MPa tension is applied to the steel sheet in the temperature range from Ms to the cooling stop temperature Tb, the total amount of ferrite and bainitic ferrite is excessively increased and thus the amount of martensite decreases to make it difficult to realize 980 MPa or higher TS. Thus, the tension applied to the steel sheet in the temperature range from Ms to the cooling stop temperature Tb is limited to 5 MPa or more and 100 MPa or less. The lower limit of the tension applied to the steel sheet in the temperature range from Ms to the cooling stop temperature Tb is preferably 6 MPa or more. The upper limit of the tension applied to the steel sheet in the temperature range from Ms to the cooling stop temperature Tb is preferably 50 MPa or less. The tension is applied in a usual manner. As an example, the tension may be applied by controlling the roll speeds of the rolls in the furnace.

While the bending and unbending process increases the number of nucleation sites that are martensite start sites, the tension application process produces different effects by promoting martensite transformation itself.

[Cooling Stop Temperature Tb: 100Β° C. or Above and (Msβˆ’80Β° C.) or Below]

When the cooling stop temperature Tb is below 100Β° C., the amount of retained austenite decreases and bendability is lowered. When, on the other hand, the cooling stop temperature Tb is above (Msβˆ’80Β° C.), the amount of retained austenite is excessively increased and the prior austenite grain size is excessively enlarged to cause deterioration in working embrittlement resistance. Thus, the cooling stop temperature Tb is limited to 100Β° C. or above and (Msβˆ’80Β° C.) or below. The lower limit of the cooling stop temperature Tb is preferably 120Β° C. or above. The upper limit of the cooling stop temperature Tb is preferably (Msβˆ’100Β° C.) or below.

[Tempering Temperature: Tb or Above and 450Β° C. or Below]

After the cooling is stopped at the cooling stop temperature Tb, the steel sheet is held at the temperature or is reheated and held at a temperature of 450Β° C. or below to stabilize retained austenite. When the tempering temperature is below Tb, retained austenite cannot be obtained as desired; consequently El is lowered and excellent toughness is hardly obtained. When the tempering temperature is above 450Β° C., martensite is excessively tempered to make it difficult to achieve 980 MPa or higher TS. Thus, the tempering temperature is limited to Tb or above and 450Β° C. or below. The lower limit of the tempering temperature is preferably (Tb+10Β° C.) or above. The upper limit of the tempering temperature is preferably 420Β° C. or below.

[Holding Time at the Tempering Temperature: 10 Seconds or More and 1000 Seconds or Less]

When the holding time at the tempering temperature is less than 10 seconds, austenite stabilization is insufficient and retained austenite cannot be obtained as desired; consequently El is lowered and excellent toughness is hardly obtained. When the holding time at the tempering temperature is more than 1000 seconds, martensite is excessively tempered to make it difficult to achieve 980 MPa or higher TS. Thus, the holding time at the tempering temperature is limited to 10 seconds or more and 1000 seconds or less. The lower limit of the holding time at the tempering temperature is preferably 50 seconds or more. The upper limit of the holding time at the tempering temperature is preferably 800 seconds or less.

Post-temper cooling is not particularly limited and the steel sheet may be cooled to a desired temperature in an appropriate manner. Incidentally, the desired temperature is preferably about room temperature.

Furthermore, the high strength steel sheet described above may be worked under conditions where the amount of equivalent plastic strain is 0.10% or more and 5.00% or less. The working may be followed by reheating at 100Β° C. or above and 400Β° C. or below.

When the high strength steel sheet is a product that is traded, the steel sheet is usually traded after being cooled to room temperature.

The high strength steel sheet may be subjected to coating treatment during annealing or after annealing.

For example, the coating treatment during annealing may be hot-dip galvanizing treatment performed when the annealed steel sheet is being cooled or has been cooled from 700Β° C. to 600Β° C. at an average cooling rate of 20Β° C./s or more. The hot-dip galvanizing treatment may be followed by alloying. For example, the coating treatment after annealing may be Znβ€”Ni electrical alloy coating treatment or pure Zn electroplated coating treatment performed after tempering. A coated layer may be formed by electroplated coating, or hot-dip zinc-aluminum-magnesium alloy coating may be applied. While the coating treatment has been described above focusing on zinc coating, the types of coating metals, such as Zn coating and Al coating, are not particularly limited. Other conditions in the manufacturing method are not particularly limited. From the point of view of productivity, the series of treatments including annealing, hot-dip galvanizing, and alloying treatment of the coated zinc layer is preferably performed on hot-dip galvanizing line CGL (continuous galvanizing line). To control the coating weight of the coated layer, the hot-dip galvanizing treatment may be followed by wiping. Conditions for operations, such as coating, other than those conditions described above may be determined in accordance with the usual hot-dip galvanizing technique.

After the coating treatment after annealing, the steel sheet may be worked again under conditions where the amount of equivalent plastic strain is 0.10% or more and 5.00% or less. The working may be followed by reheating at 100Β° C. or above and 400Β° C. or below.

EXAMPLES

Steels having a chemical composition described in Table 1 and 2, with the balance being Fe and incidental impurities, were smelted in a converter and were continuously cast into slabs. Next, the slabs obtained were heated, hot rolled, pickled, cold rolled, and subjected to annealing treatment described in Table 3 and 4. High strength cold rolled steel sheets having a sheet thickness of 0.6 to 2.2 mm were thus obtained. During annealing, the steel sheet was subjected to bending and unbending with a roll having a radius of 300 mm. In the temperature range from 499Β° C. to Ms, the steel sheet was subjected to bending and unbending with a roll having a radius of 300 mm. Incidentally, some of the steel sheets were subjected to coating treatment during or after annealing.

The high strength cold rolled steel sheets obtained as described above were used as test steels. Tensile characteristics, flatness in the width direction, toughness, and working embrittlement resistance were evaluated in accordance with the following test methods.

TABLE 1
Chemical composition (mass %)
Steels C Si Mn P S N O Al Ti B Nb Cu Others
A 0.172 1.37 2.54 0.013 0.0014 0.005 0.005 0.039 INV. EX.
B 0.157 1.07 2.86 0.005 0.0011 0.003 0.005 0.028 INV. EX.
C 0.175 1.33 2.42 0.014 0.0007 0.004 0.002 0.031 INV. EX.
D 0.172 1.14 2.80 0.009 0.0013 0.004 0.005 0.060 INV. EX.
E 0.161 1.10 2.85 0.006 0.0012 0.006 0.007 0.049 INV. EX.
F 0.037 1.01 2.66 0.010 0.0009 0.003 0.004 0.042 INV. EX.
G 0.028 1.10 2.55 0.007 0.0006 0.006 0.007 0.023 COMP. EX.
H 0.461 1.33 2.43 0.012 0.0009 0.002 0.004 0.032 INV. EX.
I 0.505 1.38 2.83 0.011 0.0007 0.004 0.002 0.015 COMP. EX.
J 0.182 0.58 2.81 0.015 0.0006 0.005 0.002 0.037 INV. EX.
K 0.179 0.42 2.45 0.011 0.0014 0.003 0.005 0.044 COMP. EX.
L 0.180 2.34 2.64 0.008 0.0014 0.003 0.003 0.059 INV. EX.
M 0.172 2.54 2.74 0.009 0.0008 0.005 0.005 0.024 COMP. EX.
N 0.165 1.15 1.05 0.013 0.0007 0.003 0.002 0.046 INV. EX.
O 0.170 1.29 0.95 0.011 0.0013 0.005 0.006 0.025 COMP. EX.
P 0.163 1.27 4.96 0.006 0.0008 0.003 0.005 0.018 INV. EX.
Q 0.177 1.09 5.16 0.008 0.0013 0.005 0.005 0.013 COMP. EX.
R 0.171 1.14 2.73 0.097 0.0008 0.001 0.005 0.038 INV. EX.
S 0.180 1.38 2.50 0.109 0.0012 0.004 0.004 0.048 COMP. EX.
T 0.184 1.39 2.82 0.012 0.0195 0.006 0.004 0.033 INV. EX.
U 0.160 1.24 2.58 0.011 0.0204 0.004 0.004 0.042 COMP. EX.
V 0.157 1.38 2.80 0.009 0.0012 0.004 0.005 0.924 INV. EX.
W 0.166 1.36 2.47 0.011 0.0014 0.002 0.004 1.049 COMP. EX.
X 0.187 1.25 2.61 0.010 0.0006  0.0090 0.005 0.013 INV. EX.
Y 0.186 1.05 2.65 0.010 0.0014  0.0110 0.005 0.059 COMP. EX.
Z 0.167 1.34 2.87 0.008 0.0011 0.006  0.0090 0.026 INV. EX.
AA 0.180 1.33 2.65 0.015 0.0009 0.007  0.0110 0.026 COMP. EX.
AB 0.176 1.24 2.77 0.007 0.0012 0.004 0.007 0.047 INV. EX.
AC 0.188 1.22 2.68 0.006 0.0011 0.005 0.007 0.042 0.003 INV. EX.
AD 0.152 1.14 2.71 0.010 0.0014 0.002 0.003 0.054 0.196 INV. EX.
AE 0.156 1.18 2.46 0.011 0.0006 0.007 0.004 0.035 0.204 COMP. EX.
AF 0.183 1.14 2.47 0.007 0.0015 0.005 0.004 0.048 0.0003 INV. EX.
AG 0.154 1.18 2.77 0.009 0.0011 0.006 0.004 0.027 0.0075 INV. EX.
AH 0.183 1.34 2.86 0.009 0.0007 0.003 0.004 0.029 0.0106 COMP. EX.
Al 0.178 1.27 2.89 0.009 0.0010 0.002 0.006 0.020 0.001 INV. EX.
AJ 0.164 1.16 2.51 0.011 0.0005 0.002 0.002 0.035 0.183 INV. EX.
AK 0.167 1.08 2.55 0.014 0.0006 0.004 0.004 0.055 0.204 COMP. EX.
AL 0.154 1.04 2.67 0.005 0.0015 0.002 0.003 0.035 0.02 INV. EX.
AM 0.176 1.20 2.47 0.005 0.0011 0.004 0.005 0.053 0.95 INV. EX.
Underlines indicate being outside the range of the present invention.

TABLE 2
Chemical composition (mass %)
Steels C Si Mn P S N O Al Ti B Nb Cu Others
AN 0.178 1.22 2.78 |0.009 0.0011 0.004 0.007 0.035 1.05 COMP. EX.
AO 0.177 1.03 2.46 0.014 0.0012 0.006 0.002 0.035 V: 0.126 INV. EX.
AP 0.166 1.06 2.50 0.006 0.0014 0.002 0.003 0.045 Ta: 0.01 INV. EX.
AQ 0.161 1.14 2.62 0.005 0.0012 0.001 0.006 0.037 W: 0.04 INV. EX.
AR 0.163 1.15 2.88 0.009 0.0013 0.006 0.007 0.025 Cr: 0.71 INV. EX.
AS 0.155 1.08 2.87 0.012 0.0007 0.003 0.002 0.023 Mo: 0.07 INV. EX.
AT 0.173 1.24 2.53 0.013 0.0013 0.003 0.002 0.036 Co: 0.008 INV. EX.
AU 0.178 1.15 2.86 0.007 0.0011 0.004 0.005 0.056 Ni: 0.18 INV. EX.
AV 0.167 1.01 2.47 0.005 0.0014 0.004 |0.001 0.051 Sn: 0.131 INV. EX.
AV 0.173 1.06 2.42 0.006 0.0011 0.003 0.004 0.037 Sb: 0.026 INV. EX.
AX 0.189 1.01 2.73 0.012 0.0008 0.005 0.007 0.054 Ca: 0.0073 INV. EX.
AY 0.184 1.15 2.82 0.007 0.0006 0.003 0.006 0.022 Mg: 0.0014 INV. EX.
AZ 0.184 1.04 2.52 0.012 0.0014 0.002 0.006 0.011 Zr: 0.072 INV. EX.
BA 0.158 1.39 2.55 0.014 0.0013 0.006 0.007 0.027 Te: 0.024 INV. EX.
BB 0.190 1.36 2.89 0.013 0.0011 0.006 0.005 0.053 Hf: 0.10 INV. EX.
BC 0.164 1.12 2.74 0.008 0.0011 0.003 0.003 0.039 REM: 0.0097 INV. EX.
BD 0.183 1.06 2.80 0.011 0.0012 0.002 0.005 0.011 Bi: 0.153 INV. EX.
BE 0.158 1.33 2.65 0.007 0.0015 0.006 0.004 0.033 Zn: 0.074 INV. EX.
BF 0.176 1.26 2.49 0.010 0.0007 0.004 0.006 0.014 Pb: 0.076 INV. EX.
BG 0.159 1.08 2.68 0.012 0.0008 0.001 0.004 0.052 As: 0.096 INV. EX.
BH 0.178 1.15 2.53 0.011 0.0008 0.004 0.002 0.019 Ge: 0.022 INV. EX.
BI 0.178 1.38 2.75 0.006 0.0012 0.001 0.001 0.043 Sr: 0.012 INV. EX.
BJ 0.167 1.02 2.41 0.014 0.0015 0.006 0.001 0.036 Cs: 0.047 INV. EX.
BK 0.156 1.18 2.55 0.014 0.0010 0.003 0.006 0.049 INV. EX.
BL 0.150 1.02 2.88 0.014 0.0007 0.006 0.005 0.040 INV. EX.
BM 0.187 1.21 2.67 0.015 0.0013 0.006 0.006 0.014 INV. EX.
BN 0.161 1.32 2.57 0.014 0.0009 0.006 0.006 0.047 INV. EX.
BO 0.175 1.02 2.73 0.011 0.0008 0.001 0.005 0.047 INV. EX.
Underlines indicate being outside the range of the present invention.

TABLE 3
Average Average Count of
Count of cooling cooling bending and
bending and rate in rate in unbending in
unbending temperature temperature temperature
Annealing Annealing during range of range of range of
temp. Ta time annealing 700-600Β° C. 499Β° C.-Ms 499Β° C.-Ms Ms (Ms-80)
Nos. Steels (Β° C.) (s) (times) (Β° C./s) (Β° C./s) (times) (Β° C.) (Β° C.)
 1 A 837 142 10 80 13  3 350 270
 2 B 840 129 10 68 13  3 347 267
 3 B 740  81 10 63 15  3 348 268
 4 B 697  74 10 60 11  3 349 269
 5 B 890 180 10 51 15  3 347 267
 6 B 901 132 10 74 12  3 346 266
 7 B 828  23 10 59 12  3 347 267
 8 B 842  6 10 55 10  3 347 267
 9 B 808 809 10 53 11  3 348 268
10 B 845 1020  10 63 13  3 347 267
11 B 829 131  1 65 13  3 347 267
12 B 827 186  0 60 13  3 347 267
13 B 847 110 15 59 10  3 347 267
14 B 842  50 15 64 12  3 347 267
15 B 830 131  3 22 11  3 347 267
16 B 839 176  3 12 12  3 347 267
17 B 849  99  3 73 11  3 347 267
18 B 808  89  3 67 12  3 348 268
19 B 803 100  3 73 19  3 348 268
20 B 812  74  3 67 28  3 347 267
21 B 802 133  3 75 14  3 348 268
22 B 842 161  3 58 12  3 347 267
23 B 811  82  3 73 12  1 348 268
24 B 824 105  3 77 12  0 347 267
25 B 841  73  3 63 12 15 347 267
26 B 827 165  3 54 15 15 347 267
27 B 803 173  3 51 15  3 348 268
28 B 842  98  3 79 15  3 347 267
29 B 818 187  3 75 14  3 347 267
30 B 828  71  3 61 12  3 347 267
31 B 833 193  3 75 11  3 347 267
32 B 825 129  3 55 14  3 347 267
33 B 819  65  3 67 14  3 347 267
34 B 817 125 10 64 12  3 347 267
35 B 841 123 10 58 12  3 347 267
36 B 803  63 10 69 12  3 348 268
37 B 823  66 10 69 14  3 347 267
38 B 847 166 10 60 13  3 347 267
39 B 806  72 10 64 15  3 348 268
40 B 825 120 10 66 13  3 347 267
41 B 844 170 10 74 12  3 347 267
42 B 810 124 10 75 13  3 348 268
43 B 846 111 10 68 11 10 347 267
44 B 821 167  3 73 13 10 347 267
45 B 830  71  3 71 13 10 347 267
46 B 831 196  3 77 14 10 347 267
47 B 827  80  3 69 14 10 347 267
48 B 830 158  3 62 14 10 347 267
49 C 841 123  3 58 11 10 352 272
50 D 826 188  3 59 11 10 342 262
51 E 809 134  3 56 12  3 346 266
52 F 802 157  3 77 12  3 411 331
53 G 849 143  3 55 13  3 418 338
Average
cooling
Cooling rate in Tension in
stop temperature temperature
temp. range of range of Tempering Tempering
Tb Ms-Tb Ms-Tb temp. time
Nos. (Β° C.) (Β° C./s) (MPa) (Β° C.) (s) Type*
 1 232 16 13 333 223 CR INV. EX.
 2 202 14  8 258 131 CR INV. EX.
 3 231 16 10 327 119 CR INV. EX.
 4 222 19  9 290 144 CR COMP. EX.
 5 202 19 16 330 104 CR INV. EX.
 6 226 19  9 348 228 CR COMP. EX.
 7 198 14 10 282 119 CR INV. EX.
 8 206 18 13 261 224 CR COMP. EX.
 9 200 14  8 284 188 CR INV. EX.
10 206 17 18 268 297 CR COMP. EX.
11 205 13 13 308 179 CR INV. EX.
12 218 13 15 264 129 CR COMP. EX.
13 200 11 17 326 235 CR INV. EX.
14 205 16 12 294 184 CR INV. EX.
15 202 14  9 310 278 CR INV. EX.
16 233 18 11 274 253 CR COMP. EX.
17 216 11 15 257 132 CR INV. EX.
18 205 17  8 326 262 CR INV. EX.
19 215 17 13 326 156 CR INV. EX
20 230 17 12 302 295 CR COMP. EX.
21 198 103  18 279 219 CR INV. EX.
22 219 14 13 219 246 CR INV. EX.
23 234 16 12 251 278 CR INV. EX.
24 198 14 10 275 282 CR COMP. EX.
25 201 17 15 338 238 CR INV. EX.
26 211 13 17 313 101 CR INV. EX.
27 104 14 10 312 265 CR INV. EX.
28  95 17 13 313 280 CR COMP. EX.
29 267 16 15 284 189 CR INV. EX.
30 272 11 10 309 259 CR COMP. EX.
31 222 13 12 285 278 CR INV. EX.
32 232 13 15 296 262 CR INV. EX
33 220 149  17 311 106 CR INV. EX.
34 216 155  17 344 274 CR COMP. EX.
35 222 15  5 293 258 CR INV. EX.
36 201 14  4 338 114 CR COMP. EX.
37 216 18 99 276 184 CR INV. EX.
38 219 16 104  347 137 CR COMP. EX.
39 223 14 14 223 242 CR INV. EX.
40 206 13 15 206 106 CR INV. EX.
41 226 19 13 420 151 CR INV. EX
42 211 18 17 448 273 CR INV. EX.
43 235 19  8 282  23 CR INV. EX.
44 237 17 11 303  3 CR COMP. EX.
45 203 14 15 347 964 CR INV. EX.
46 224 16  8 327 824 CR INV. EX
47 210 15  8 320 266 CR INV. EX.
48 200 95 12 285 101 CR INV. EX.
49 202 105  11 288 214 CR INV. EX.
50 201 16 12 321 103 CR INV. EX.
51 210 11 12 287 281 CR INV. EX
52 269 10  9 345 270 CR INV. EX.
53 279 14 14 349 122 CR COMP. EX.
Underlines indicate being outside the range of the present invention.
(*)CR: cold rolled steel sheet (no coating), GI: hot-dip galvanized steel sheet (no alloying of zinc coating), GA: galvannealed steel sheet, EG: electrogalvanized steel sheet

TABLE 4
Average Average Count of
Count of cooling cooling bending and
bending and rate in rate in unbending in
unbending temperature temperature temperature
Annealing Annealing during range of range of range of
temp. Ta time annealing 700-600Β° C. 499Β° C.-Ms 499Β° C.-Ms Ms (Ms-80)
Nos. Steels (Β° C.) (s) (times) (Β° C./s) (Β° C./s) (times) (Β° C.) (Β° C.)
54 H 816 172  3 56 13  3 216 136
55 I 839 183  3 79 13  3 183 103
56 J 840 157  3 58 13  3 337 257
57 K 821 141  3 59 11  3 349 269
58 L 825 147  3 78 15  3 343 263
59 M 824 157 10 67 12  3 344 264
60 N 846 112 10 75 12  3 398 318
61 O 832 167 10 68 14  3 399 319
62 P 824  61 10 66 11  3 281 201
63 Q 807 158 10 61 13  3 268 188
64 R 805 110 10 71 13  3 345 265
65 S 808 123  3 63 11  3 348 268
66 T 830 100  3 58 14  3 336 256
67 U 826 194  3 59 11  3 354 274
68 V 805 174  3 70 11  3 349 269
69 W 815 161  3 52 15  3 355 275
70 X 824 121  3 61 13 10 341 261
71 Y 844  54  3 68 11 10 340 260
72 Z 818  76  3 50 14 10 342 262
73 AA 806 181  3 50 11 10 343 263
74 AB 812 140  3 80 12 10 341 261
75 AC 811  86  3 62 14 10 338 258
76 AD 842  97  3 57 14 10 354 274
77 AE 804  64  3 76 11 10 360 280
78 AF 801 168  3 72 14  3 347 267
79 AG 822  76  3 78 13  3 352 272
80 AH 837 109 10 70 12  3 335 255
81 AI 840 100 10 56 12  3 336 256
82 AJ 832  76 10 64 14  3 355 275
83 AK 810 186 10 63 13  3 352 272
84 AL 807  95 10 65 13  3 355 275
85 AM 848 136 10 68 13  3 350 270
86 AN 834 181 10 70 14  3 340 260
87 AO 749  90 10 55 11  3 351 271
88 AP 876 150 10 74 10  3 353 273
89 AQ 832  27 10 64 11  3 353 273
90 AR 828 846 10 73 12  3 335 255
91 AS 828 141  1 56 11  3 347 267
92 AT 849 157 15 77 15  3 349 269
93 AU 803  90  3 25 13  3 334 254
94 AV 849 197  3 65 15  3 354 274
95 AW 846 152 10 55 18  3 353 273
96 AX 826  62 10 60 11  3 336 256
97 AY 838  99 10 50 14  1 336 256
98 AZ 840  97 10 60 14 15 345 265
99 BA 824  60  3 72 14  3 356 276
100 BB 848 162  3 55 15  3 330 250
101 BC 820 165 10 64 12  3 348 268
102 BD 829 131 10 66 13  3 337 257
103 BE 807  70  3 72 13  3 353 273
104 BF 840  65  3 76 11  3 349 269
105 BG 805 139 10 71 12  3 352 272
106 BH 846 142 10 63 12  3 347 267
107 BI 837  63 10 76 13  3 341 261
108 BJ 822 109 10 53 13  3 356 276
109 BK 822  59 10 53 11 12 357 277
110 BL 838  70  5 50 13 12 350 270
111 BM 830  57  5 58 11  3 339 259
112 BN 802  57 12 62 13  3 355 275
113 BC 847 198 12 54 12  3 342 262
Average
cooling
Cooling rate in Tension in
stop temperature temperature
temp. range of range of Tempering Tempering
Tb Ms-Tb Ms-Tb temp. time
Nos. (Β° C.) (Β° C./s) (MPa) (Β° C.) (s) Type*
54 110 12 14 318 158 CR INV. EX.
55 101 20 17 299 117 CR COMP. EX.
56 198 19 10 276 115 CR INV. EX.
57 230 17 13 281 282 CR COMP. EX.
58 197 16 16 347 188 CR INV. EX.
59 226 13 17 275 286 GA COMP. EX.
60 265 13 15 334 181 GA INV. EX.
61 259 11 16 321 163 GA COMP. EX.
62 150 11 12 278 234 GA INV. EX.
63 123 17 11 259 102 GA COMP. EX.
64 195 12  9 346 271 CR INV. EX.
65 207 18  8 270 104 CR COMP. EX.
66 199 16 14 260 218 GA INV. EX.
67 231 14 14 314 197 GA COMP. EX.
68 200 15 11 319 199 GI INV. EX.
69 227 19 11 347 259 GA COMP. EX.
70 195 12 14 331 109 GA INV. EX.
71 229 11 14 311 161 GA COMP. EX.
72 205 13 14 299 208 GA INV. EX.
73 231 18 10 284 162 GI COMP. EX.
74 225 19 15 335 114 GA INV. EX.
75 199 12 12 292 190 GA INV. EX.
76 226 19 18 270 129 GA INV. EX.
77 247 17  9 285 234 GA COMP. EX.
78 230 15 15 313 235 GA INV. EX.
79 214 11  8 332 192 GI INV. EX.
80 187 18 16 290 135 GA COMP. EX.
81 212 19 16 275 273 GA INV. EX.
82 222 16  9 305 180 GA INV. EX.
83 208 14  9 263 114 GA COMP. EX.
84 220 11 11 269 174 CR INV. EX.
85 202 11 17 276 151 CR INV. EX.
86 207 19 10 285 211 GA COMP. EX.
87 215 13 12 318 104 GA INV. EX.
88 218 15 17 321 181 GA INV. EX.
89 212 18 18 298 191 GA INV. EX.
90 204 15 12 282 290 GA INV. EX.
91 219 18 15 262 224 GA INV. EX.
92 203 12 15 348 183 GA INV. EX.
93 209 13 15 292 107 CR INV. EX.
94 242 11 11 338 232 CR INV. EX.
95 206 18  8 252 208 CR INV. EX.
96 207 19 17 207 160 CR INV. EX.
97 199 14 16 283 278 CR INV. EX.
98 218 16 10 328 293 CR INV. EX.
99 110 14 15 326 300 CR INV. EX.
100 248 11  8 344 277 CR INV. EX.
101 210 13 11 257 201 CR INV. EX.
102 208 137  15 297 252 CR INV. EX.
103 209 10  6 308 231 CR INV. EX.
104 214 16 100  298 229 CR INV. EX.
105 237 13 15 237 170 CR INV. EX.
106 201 17 15 405 113 CR INV. EX.
107 213 12 15 300 15 CR INV. EX.
108 232 18 14 270 847 CR INV. EX.
109 225 17 15 308 215 EG INV. EX.
110 221 15 10 257 294 GI INV. EX.
111 221 13 16 273 287 EG INV. EX.
112 236 92 11 323 109 GI INV. EX.
113 225 105   9 317 219 GA INV. EX.
Underlines indicate being outside the range of the present invention.
(*)CR: cold rolled steel sheet (no coating), GI: hot-dip galvanized steel sheet (no alloying of zinc coating), GA: galvannealed steel sheet, EG: electrogalvanized steel sheet

(Microstructure Observation)

The amount of martensite, the amount of retained austenite, and the total amount of ferrite and bainitic ferrite were determined by the methods described hereinabove.

(Proportion of Packets Having the Largest Area in Prior Austenite Grains)

The average proportion of packets having the largest area in prior austenite grains was determined by the method described hereinabove.

(Tensile Test)

A JIS No. 5 test specimen (gauge length: 50 mm, parallel section width: 25 mm) was sampled so that the longitudinal direction of the test specimen would be perpendicular to the rolling direction. A tensile test was performed in accordance with JIS Z 2241 under conditions where the crosshead speed was 1.67Γ—10βˆ’1 mm/sec. TS and El were thus measured. In accordance with aspects of the present invention, 980 MPa or higher TS was determined to be acceptable, and 10% or more El was determined to be acceptable.

(Toughness)

Toughness was evaluated by Charpy test. A Charpy test specimen was a 2 mm deep V-notched test piece that was a stack of steel sheets fastened together with bolts to eliminate any gaps between the steel sheets. The number of steel sheets that were stacked was controlled so that the thickness of the stack as the test piece would be closer to 10 mm. When, for example, the sheet thickness was 1.2 mm, eight sheets were stacked to give a 9.6 mm thick test piece. The Charpy test specimen was evaluated as β€œexcellent in toughness” when the stack had a strength of 40 J/cm2 or more. Conditions other than those described above conformed to JIS Z 2242:2018.

(Flatness in the Width Direction)

The cold rolled steel sheets obtained as described above were analyzed to measure the flatness in the width direction. The measurement is illustrated in FIG. 2. Specifically, a sheet with a length of 500 mm in the rolling direction (coil widthΓ—500 mm LΓ—sheet thickness) was cut out from the coil and was placed on a surface plate in such a manner that the warp at the ends would face upward. The height on the steel sheet was measured with a contact displacement meter by continuously moving the stylus over the width. Based on the results, the steepness as an index of the flatness of the steel sheet shape was measured as illustrated in FIG. 2. The flatness was rated as β€œx” when the steepness was more than 0.02, as β€œo” when the steepness was more than 0.01 and 0.02 or less, and as β€œ@” when the steepness was 0.01 or less. The steel sheet was evaluated as β€œexcellent in the flatness in the width direction” when the steepness was 0.02 or less.

(Working Embrittlement Resistance)

The working embrittlement resistance was evaluated by Charpy test. A Charpy test specimen was a 2 mm deep V-notched test piece that was a stack of steel sheets fastened together with bolts to eliminate any gaps between the steel sheets. The number of steel sheets that were stacked was controlled so that the thickness of the stack as the test piece would be closer to 10 mm. When, for example, the sheet thickness was 1.2 mm, eight sheets were stacked to give a 9.6 mm thick test piece. The sheets for stacking into the Charpy test specimen were sampled so that the width direction would be the longitudinal direction. As an index of the working embrittlement resistance, the ratio vE0%/vE10% of the absorbed impact energy at room temperature of the as-produced (unworked) steel sheet to that of the steel sheet after 10% rolling was measured. The working embrittlement resistance was rated as β€œΓ—β€ when vE0%/vE10% was less than 0.6, as β€œβˆ˜β€ when vE0%/VE10% was 0.6 or more and less than 0.7, and as β€œβŠšβ€ when vE0%/vE10% was 0.7 or more. The Charpy test specimen was evaluated as β€œexcellent in working embrittlement resistance” when vE0%/vE10% was 0.6 or more. Conditions other than those described above conformed to JIS Z 2242:2018.

The results are described in Tables 5 to 7. As shown in Tables 5 to 7, INVENTIVE EXAMPLES achieved 980 MPa or higher TS, 10% or more El, and excellent toughness, flatness in the width direction, and working embrittlement resistance. In contrast, COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES were unsatisfactory in one or more of TS, El, toughness, flatness in the width direction, and working embrittlement resistance.

TABLE 5
Total of Average proportion
ferrite and of packets having
Retained bainitic the largest area in Absorbed Flatness Working
Martensite austenite ferrite prior austenite TS EI energy in width embrittlement
Nos. Steels (area %) (vol %) (area %) grains (area %) (MPa) (%) (J/cm2) direction resistance
1 A 70 11 19 47 1283 19 51 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
2 B 71 11 18 50 1277 20 50 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
3 B 61  8 31 49 1010 33 53 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
4 B 53  8 39 46  928 32 55 ⊚ ⊚ COMP. EX.
5 B 79 10 11 48 1394 11 45 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
6 B 84  9  7 59 1632  8 50 ⊚ ⊚ COMP. EX.
7 B 60  8 32 60 1009 35 50 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
8 B 49 11 40 48  897 33 51 ⊚ ⊚ COMP. EX.
9 B 77 10 13 47 1238 11 49 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
10 B 82 10  8 52 1113  8 49 ⊚ ⊚ COMP. EX.
11 B 75  8 17 69 1158 20 49 β—― β—― INV. EX.
12 B 77  9 14 80 1232 16 51 X X COMP. EX.
13 B 71 11 18 48 1197 21 41 ⊚ β—― INV. EX.
14 B 71 10 19 58 1118 18 41 ⊚ β—― INV. EX.
15 B 70 11 19 68 1357 14 50 β—― β—― INV. EX.
16 B 73  9 18 88 1274 17 54 X X COMP. EX.
17 B 71 11 18 53 1271 16 48 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
18 B 74 10 16 58 1314 19 45 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
19 B 79 10 11 50 1355 11 46 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
20 B 82  9  9 47 1467  9 47 ⊚ ⊚ COMP. EX.
21 B 68 12 20 56 1267 19 49 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
22 B 75 10 15 58 1198 15 53 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
23 B 73 11 16 66 1157 21 48 β—― β—― INV. EX.
24 B 73  9 18 92 1357 15 46 X X COMP. EX.
25 B 70 11 19 50 1235 20 41 ⊚ β—― INV. EX.
26 B 69 11 20 60 1109 18 42 ⊚ β—― INV. EX.
27 B 78  4 18 52 1236 10 42 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
28 B 80  2 18 59 1591  8 33 ⊚ ⊚ COMP. EX.
29 B 71 13 16 54 1035 24 63 ⊚ β—― INV. EX.
30 B 66 16 18 49 1033 28 62 ⊚ X COMP. EX.
31 B 72 10 18 45 1278 17 51 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
32 B 72 10 18 47 1267 15 47 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
33 B 71 10 19 67 1308 18 54 β—― β—― INV. EX.
34 B 73 12 15 81 1232 19 46 X X COMP. EX.
35 B 70 12 18 68 1227 17 45 β—― β—― INV. EX.
36 B 71 10 19 89 1272 18 45 X X COMP. EX.
Underlines indicate being outside the range of the present invention.

TABLE 6
Total of Average proportion
ferrite and of packets having
Retained bainitic the largest area in Absorbed Flatness Working
Martensite austenite ferrite prior austenite TS EI energy in width embrittlement
Nos. Steels (area %) (vol %) (area %) grains (area %) (MPa) (%) (J/cm2) direction resistance
37 B 64  9 27 55  999 25 42 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
38 B 54 10 36 59  884 30 40 ⊚ ⊚ COMP. EX.
39 B 70 10 20 57 1237 18 54 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
40 B 71 10 19 55 1234 15 46 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
41 B 72  9 19 48 1012 25 52 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
42 B 75 10 15 51  985 23 46 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
43 B 83  3 14 58 1307 10 40 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
44 B 80  2 18 54 1433  9 30 ⊚ ⊚ COMP. EX.
45 B 71 12 17 46 1006 23 50 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
46 B 73 10 17 56 1017 27 52 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
47 B 74 11 15 59 1039 20 55 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
48 B 73 10 17 47 1317 19 55 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
49 C 73  9 18 49 1114 18 52 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
50 D 76  8 16 53 1284 17 52 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
51 E 77  9 14 46 1332 17 47 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
52 F 60  8 32 52  989 30 45 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
53 G 48 12 40 54  920 35 55 ⊚ ⊚ COMP. EX.
54 H 72 10 18 54 1604 11 42 ⊚ β—― INV. EX.
55 I 77  9 14 48 1766 11 26 ⊚ X COMP. EX.
56 J 69 11 20 55 1014 25 45 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
57 K 72 11 17 58  898 25 54 ⊚ ⊚ COMP. EX.
58 L 69 13 18 51 1342 17 58 ⊚ β—― INV. EX.
59 M 70 16 14 56 1095 27 60 ⊚ X COMP. EX.
60 N 61  9 30 59 1017 31 48 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
61 O 52 12 36 56  899 30 48 ⊚ ⊚ COMP. EX.
62 P 74 11 15 48 1216 21 41 ⊚ β—― INV. EX.
63 Q 73 12 15 54 1535 15 33 ⊚ X COMP. EX.
64 R 74 10 16 48 1189 19 41 ⊚ β—― INV. EX.
65 S 73 11 16 54 1175 17 28 ⊚ X COMP. EX.
66 T 73 10 17 48 1372 17 42 ⊚ β—― INV. EX.
67 U 72 10 18 60 1117 18 28 ⊚ X COMP. EX.
68 V 70 12 18 51 1299 17 41 ⊚ β—― INV. EX.
69 W 71 11 18 48 1144 17 30 ⊚ X COMP. EX.
70 X 74  8 18 54 1362 15 40 ⊚ β—― INV. EX.
71 Y 76  9 15 52 1349 15 31 ⊚ X COMP. EX.
Underlines indicate being outside the range of the present invention.

TABLE 7
Total of Average proportion
ferrite and of packets having
Retained bainitic the largest area in Absorbed Flatness Working
Martensite austenite ferrite prior austenite TS EI energy in width embrittlement
Nos. Steels (area %) (vol %) (area %) grains (area %) (MPa) (%) (J/cm2) direction resistance
72 Z 75 10 15 47 1277 19 42 ⊚ β—― INV. EX.
73 AA 73  9 18 48 1387 15 26 ⊚ X COMP. EX.
74 AB 72 10 18 57 1415 19 46 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
75 AC 75 10 15 57  994 23 52 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
76 AD 73 10 17 52 1169 20 42 ⊚ β—― INV. EX.
77 AE 77  9 14 54 1676 12 27 ⊚ X COMP. EX.
78 AF 77  9 14 59 1010 25 47 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
79 AG 73  9 18 57 1151 22 43 ⊚ β—― INV. EX.
80 AH 72 11 17 51 1630 15 29 ⊚ X COMP. EX.
81 AI 75  9 16 56 1014 18 46 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
82 AJ 74 11 15 46 1271 17 42 ⊚ β—― INV. EX.
83 AK 74 11 15 46 1554 13 26 ⊚ X COMP. EX.
84 AL 71  9 20 48 1006 23 49 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
85 AM 71 10 19 57 1350 19 42 ⊚ β—― INV. EX.
86 AN 72  9 19 47 1515 14 28 ⊚ X COMP. EX.
87 AO 60  8 32 48 1015 30 47 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
88 AP 76 11 13 46 1393 11 51 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
89 AQ 61  9 30 46 1005 33 49 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
90 AR 76 12 12 56 1417 12 55 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
91 AS 75  8 17 59 1104 24 47 β—― β—― INV. EX.
92 AT 78  8 14 49 1225 20 41 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
93 AU 69 12 19 69 1304 18 55 β—― β—― INV. EX.
94 AV 70 11 19 50 1349 17 49 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
95 AW 61  9 30 59  993 34 51 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
96 AX 74  8 18 48 1195 19 50 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
97 AY 78  8 14 64 1121 21 47 β—― β—― INV. EX.
98 AZ 72 12 16 52 1129 20 50 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
99 BA 77  3 20 51 1354 10 45 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
100 BB 68 13 19 54 1198 20 54 ⊚ β—― INV. EX.
101 BC 76  9 15 50 1367 18 52 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
102 BD 73 11 16 62 1183 18 53 β—― β—― INV. EX.
103 BE 75  8 17 67 1116 19 53 β—― β—― INV. EX.
104 BF 70 11 19 59 1357 17 42 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
105 BG 75  9 16 46 1187 15 45 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
106 BH 72  9 19 56 1017 27 52 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
107 BI 81  4 15 50 1468 10 42 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
108 BJ 75  9 16 58 1007 23 53 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
109 BK 73 11 16 51 1063 25 54 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
110 BL 71 11 18 53 1090 21 53 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
111 BM 70 10 20 58 1320 18 49 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
112 BN 69 12 19 52 1122 21 49 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
113 BO 70 10 20 46 1319 16 48 ⊚ ⊚ INV. EX.
Underlines indicate being outside the range of the present invention.

Claims

1. A high strength steel sheet having a chemical composition comprising, in mass %,

C: 0.030% or more and 0.500% or less,

Si: 0.50% or more and 2.50% or less,

Mn: 1.00% or more and 5.00% or less,

P: 0.100% or less,

S: 0.0200% or less,

Al: 1.000% or less,

N: 0.0100% or less, and

O: 0.0100% or less,

a balance being Fe and incidental impurities,

the high strength steel sheet being such that in a region at ΒΌ sheet thickness,

an area fraction of martensite is 60% or more,

a volume fraction of retained austenite is 3% or more and 15% or less,

an area fraction of a total of ferrite and bainitic ferrite is more than 10%, and

an average of proportions of packets having the largest area in prior austenite grains is 70% by area or less of the prior austenite grain.

2. The high strength steel sheet according to claim 1, wherein the chemical composition further comprises at least one element selected from, in mass %,

Ti: 0.200% or less, Nb: 0.200% or less,

V: 0.200% or less, Ta: 0.10% or less,

W: 0.10% or less, B: 0.0100% or less,

Cr: 1.00% or less, Mo: 1.00% or less,

Co: 0.010% or less, Ni: 1.00% or less,

Cu: 1.00% or less, Sn: 0.200% or less,

Sb: 0.200% or less, Ca: 0.0100% or less,

Mg: 0.0100% or less, REM: 0.0100% or less,

Zr: 0.100% or less, Te: 0.100% or less,

Hf: 0.10% or less, and Bi: 0.200% or less.

3. The high strength steel sheet according to claim 1, which has a coated layer on a surface of the steel sheet.

4. The high strength steel sheet according to claim 2, which has a coated layer on a surface of the steel sheet.

5. A method for manufacturing the high strength steel sheet according to claim 1, the method comprising:

providing a cold rolled steel sheet produced by subjecting a steel having the chemical composition to hot rolling, pickling, and cold rolling;

annealing the steel sheet by heating at an annealing temperature Ta of 700Β° C. or above and 900Β° C. or below for a holding time at the annealing temperature Ta of 10 seconds or more and 1000 seconds or less;

bending and unbending the steel sheet 1 to 15 times in total with a roll having a radius of 800 mm or less during the annealing;

cooling the steel sheet at an average cooling rate of 20Β° C./s or more in a temperature range from 700Β° C. to 600Β° C. and at an average cooling rate of less than 20Β° C./s in a temperature range from 499Β° C. to Ms;

bending and unbending the steel sheet in the temperature range from 499Β° C. to Ms, 1 to 15 times in total with a roll having a radius of 800 mm or less;

cooling the steel sheet at an average cooling rate of 150Β° C./s or less in a temperature range from Ms to a cooling stop temperature Tb;

applying a tension to the steel sheet in the temperature range from Ms to the cooling stop temperature Tb while controlling the tension to 5 MPa or more and 100 MPa or less,

the cooling stop temperature Tb being 100Β° C. or above and (Msβˆ’80Β° C.) or below where Ms is a martensite start temperature (Β° C.) defined by formula (1); and

tempering the steel sheet at a tempering temperature of Tb or above and 450Β° C. or below for a holding time at the tempering temperature of 10 seconds or more and 1000 seconds or less,

Ms = 519 - 474 Γ— [ % ⁒ C ] - 30.4 Γ— [ % ⁒ Mn ] - 12.1 Γ— [ % ⁒ Cr ] - 7.5 Γ— [ % ⁒ Mo ] - 17.7 Γ— [ % ⁒ Ni ] - Ta / 80 ( 1 )

where [% C], [% Mn], [% Cr], [% Mo], and [% Ni] indicate contents (mass %) of C, Mn, Cr, Mo, and Ni, respectively, and are zero when the element is absent.

6. A method for manufacturing the high strength steel sheet according to claim 2, the method comprising:

providing a cold rolled steel sheet produced by subjecting a steel having the chemical composition to hot rolling, pickling, and cold rolling;

annealing the steel sheet by heating at an annealing temperature Ta of 700Β° C. or above and 900Β° C. or below for a holding time at the annealing temperature Ta of 10 seconds or more and 1000 seconds or less;

bending and unbending the steel sheet 1 to 15 times in total with a roll having a radius of 800 mm or less during the annealing;

cooling the steel sheet at an average cooling rate of 20Β° C./s or more in a temperature range from 700Β° C. to 600Β° C. and at an average cooling rate of less than 20Β° C./s in a temperature range from 499Β° C. to Ms;

bending and unbending the steel sheet in the temperature range from 499Β° C. to Ms, 1 to 15 times in total with a roll having a radius of 800 mm or less;

cooling the steel sheet at an average cooling rate of 150Β° C./s or less in a temperature range from Ms to a cooling stop temperature Tb;

applying a tension to the steel sheet in the temperature range from Ms to the cooling stop temperature Tb while controlling the tension to 5 MPa or more and 100 MPa or less,

the cooling stop temperature Tb being 100Β° C. or above and (Msβˆ’80Β° C.) or below where Ms is a martensite start temperature (Β° C.) defined by formula (1); and

tempering the steel sheet at a tempering temperature of Tb or above and 450Β° C. or below for a holding time at the tempering temperature of 10 seconds or more and 1000 seconds or less,

Ms = 519 - 474 Γ— [ % ⁒ C ] - 30.4 Γ— [ % ⁒ Mn ] - 12.1 Γ— [ % ⁒ Cr ] - 7.5 Γ— [ % ⁒ Mo ] - 17.7 Γ— [ % ⁒ Ni ] - Ta / 80 ( 1 )

where [% C], [% Mn], [% Cr], [% Mo], and [% Ni] indicate contents (mass %) of C, Mn, Cr, Mo, and Ni, respectively, and are zero when the element is absent.

7. The method for manufacturing the high strength steel sheet according to claim 5, further comprising performing a coating treatment.

8. The method for manufacturing the high strength steel sheet according to claim 6, further comprising performing a coating treatment.

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