Niobium-bearing interstitial-free steels: processing, structure and properties

The relationships between metallurgy and the production of niobium-bearing interstitial-free steels are reviewed. Processing-structure-property relationships are discussed, beginning wit modern steelmaking processes and continuing through subsequent thermomechanical processing. Interstitial-free stabilization, microstructural development, and mechanical properties of niobium-bearing interstitial-free steels are reviewed as well as the influence of niobium on coating characteristics. (AU)