Subject – Materials for extreme technical applications

Department of Material Engineering, FMMI, VŠB - TUO

2. STEELS FOR AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Classification of chapter:
2. Steels for automotive industry
2.1. Steel types for automotive industry
2.1.1. LC steels
2.1.2. IF steels
2.1.3. IF-HS steels
2.1.4. BH steels
2.1.5. HSLA steels
2.1.6. Rephos steels
2.1.7. DP steels
2.1.8. TRIP steels
2.1.9. Martensitic steels
2.1.10 TWIP steels
2.1.11. TRIPLEX steels
Summarization of chapter terms and questions
Literature

Time necessary for study: 180 minutes

Aim: After study of this chapter

 you give information about basic steel types for automotive industry;
 you obtain a view about properties of selected steel types for
automotive industry;
 you give information about possibilities how some steel types for
automotive industry are manufactured and in production process you
will be able to control different phase types formation;

Author: Eva Mazancová 28

 Subject – Materials for extreme technical applications
Department of Material Engineering, FMMI, VŠB - TUO

Lecture
2. Steels for automotive industry
2.1. Steel types for automotive industry
In case of given materials as high as possible strength and simultaneously high plasticity
are generally desirable. Such properties predestine those materials for various automotive
components including body work- materials applied in automotive industry could be divided
as follows:
1) LC (low carbon steels)
2) IF (interstitial free steels)
3) IF-HS (high strength interstitial free steels)
4) BH (bake hardenable steels
5) HSLA (high strenght low alloy steels)
6) Rephos steels (with an addition of phosphorus)
7) DP (dual phase) steels
8) TRIP (transformation induced plasticity) steels
9) Martensitic steels
10) TWIP (twinning induced plasticity) steels
11) TRIPLEX (beside Fe the steel contains other three elements)

Table 1 Example of chemical composition of different steel types [wt. %]

Steel Steel C Mn Si P Al Micro-alloyed
type element
DC04 LC 0.025 0.19 0.01 0.008 0.054 -
DC06 IF 0.005 0.11 0.01 0.008 0.033 005 Ti
H260YD IF-HS 0.003 0.35 0.01 0.050 0.030 0.04 Nb, 0.02 Ti
H180B BH 0.006 0.02 0.01 0.018 0.054 -
H260B BH 0.076 0.44 0.02 0.086 0.041 -
H250G1 HSLA 0.035 0.02 0.01 0.008 0.036 0.03 Ti
H260P Rephos 0.080 0.70 0.50 0.100 0.020 -
H320LA HSLA 0.006 0.04 0.01 0.007 0.038 0.04 Nb

Author: Eva Mazancová 29

 Subject – Materials for extreme technical applications
Department of Material Engineering, FMMI, VŠB - TUO

H300X DP 0.082 1.48 0.07 0.017 0.059 -

TRIP700Z TRIP 0.200 1.60 0.05 0.015 1.800 -
DOCOL Marten- 0.170 1.9 0.0 0.010 0.046 -
1400 sitic

Fig. 2.1 Summarization of mechanical properties of different material

generations applied in automotive industry

2.1.1. LC steels
For these steel-types ultra-low carbon content is typical and thanks that high plasticity
with lower strength. Table 1 shows characteristic chemical composition.

2.1.2. IF steels
These steel types show extremely low carbon content ensuring high level of ductility.
The loss of strength properties due to the low carbon content is compensated by micro-
alloying elements additions as e.g. Nb, Ti a V. Table 1 shows typical chemical composition.

2.1.3. IF-HS steels

Those steels are practically the same steel types, hence the IF, that are strengthened by
phosphorus addition beside micro-alloying elements. Approximately 4 % of this steel type is
applied for bodywork. Table 1 shows typical chemical composition.

Author: Eva Mazancová 30

 Subject – Materials for extreme technical applications
Department of Material Engineering, FMMI, VŠB - TUO

2.1.4. BH steels
Strengthening is reached after annealing, resp. after control annealing process.
Approximately, 10 % of given steel types are applied for bodyworks. Table 1 shows typical
chemical compositions. The BH steels technology a low temperature static-tension aging
process represents including interaction between dissolved carbon atoms and dislocations
generated during forming. Aging of automotive components is realized at the temperature of
170°C, approximately. Yield strength increase due to the two followed different strengthening
processes:

a) due to the formation of Cottrel´s atmosphere on dislocations

b) and due to the carbides precipitation thanks the Cottrel´s atmosphere.

The strengthening stadium depends on number of solute carbon atoms kept in matrix of
primary steel. In case of low carbon steels the process very seldom comes from the first
stadium a) to the second b). Maximal yield strength increase by Cottrel´s atmosphere in low
carbon steels is about 30 MPa under condition of 1 and/or 2 ppm of dissolved carbon in
matrix. Mentioned yield strength increase is low and for that reason other steps for additional
BH strengthening increase is necessary. This can be reached by two different ways:

a) by grain size increase during continuous annealing

b) by cooling rate increase immediately after continual annealing realization.

Different grain size influences carbon distribution between inner grain part and its boundary
owing to varying number of segregation positions on grain boundary. With grain size increase
grain boundary surface is decrease and total carbon portion that can be concentrated on the
grain boundaries is going down in comparison with matrix showing fine microstructure. In
matrix (in grains), is more soluble carbons. By higher cooling rate from the annealing
temperature the carbon atoms diffusion can be prevented - carbon transfer on the grain
boundary is inhibited and/or eliminated and higher saturation of carbon in steel matrix is
ensured.

Author: Eva Mazancová 31

 Subject – Materials for extreme technical applications
Department of Material Engineering, FMMI, VŠB - TUO

2.1.5. HSLA steels

This steel type shows lower carbon content suffering plasticity. The lower carbon
content must be compensated by micro-alloying element addition (Nb, Ti, V) either
independently or in combinations, so that demanded strength parameters could be reached.
Micro-alloying elements form precipitates (carbides, nitrides and/or carbon-nitrides) that are
able not only to increase the matrix strength, however to refine more or less the
microstructure. The refining contributes to transition temperature decrease. At present time,
the given steel type is used for bodywork from 1 % only. Table 1 shows average chemical
composition of discussed steel type.

2.1.6. Rephos steels

This steel type shows higher phosphorus content. Thanks higher atomic diameter
phosphorus secures increase of strength properties of matrix, together with higher Si and Mn
contents. Table 1 shows average chemical composition of discussed steel type.

2.1.7. DP oceli
For bodyworks this steel type is used from 74 %. Figure 2.2 shows different
applications. The steels consist of ferritic matrix as a basic one, which secures plasticity and
appropriate strength level is reached by transformation of residual, stabilized austenite into
martensitic islands, usually – Fig. 2.1. Figure 2.3 shows typical microstructure image.

Fig. 2.2 Typical components from the DP steel Fig. 2.3 Microstructure image of
DP steel

Author: Eva Mazancová 32

 Subject – Materials for extreme technical applications
Department of Material Engineering, FMMI, VŠB - TUO

DP steels have, in comparison with above mentioned steel types, higher carbon content
(up 0.1 wt. %) and also higher elements contents that are able to stabilize austenite (e.g. Mn).
Higher Si content (up approx. 1 %) contributes not only formation of basic ferrite matrix,
however to strengthening as well. For production a proper cooling rate is necessary leading to
austenite transformation on 85 % of ferrite in first step. The rest of austenite is stabilized and
afterwards it is transformed into martensite (event. bainite). Schematically, this process the
left part of the Fig. 2.4 shows. Coloured rectangles demonstrate approximate portion of
individual transformations.

 Ferit
Bai α 
nitT
RIP
α 
Bainit
TRIP

TRIP
α B

TRIP

α M
DP

Fig. 2.4 Schematic depiction of forming process targeted on DP steel production (left
side of figure) and on TRIP steel (right side of figure)

Fig. 2.5 Basic mechanical properties of the DP, HSLA and carbon steel types

Author: Eva Mazancová 33

 Subject – Materials for extreme technical applications
Department of Material Engineering, FMMI, VŠB - TUO

In Fig. 2.5 stress-strain diagrams of the DP, HSLA and carbon steels are summarized.
The differences can be seen very well. Table 1 shows two examples of the HSLA chemical
compositions.

2.1.8. TRIP steels

TRIP steels represent multiphase steels applied from 3-4 %. Beside ferrite (50-60 %)
microstructure consists from bainite (25-40 %) a residual austenite (5-15 %). In some steel
types, transformation into the forth product (martensite - units of % usually) is possible. That
is way the matrix must be chemically appropriately dimensioned. TRIP steels have higher
carbon (also approx. 0.2 wt. %), Mn, resp. other elements contents, which stabilise the un-
transformed austenite matrix, show higher Si and/or Al content, which are able to defend
carbides formation. Example of TRIP steel chemical composition shows Table 1.

a) b)

25 m

Fig. 2.6a, b Schematic and real image of the TRIP steel

In the first phase transformation into ferrite is realized and afterwards step by step in
cooling process into other products the residual austenite is transformed. Ferrite and austenite
ensure plastic behaviour and bainite, eventually martensite the strength level. Schematically,
principle of forming processes the right part of Fig. 2.4 demonstrates. Appearance of final
multiphase structure Fig. 2.6a, b shows.
Multiphase steels can be also cold formed. Firstly, hot rolling is necessary that can be
realized by two different ways. At high temperatures material is rolled into fine ferrite-pearlite
microstructure (approx. at 700 °C) and/or into bainitic one (approx. at 500 °C) under higher
deformations. Given process leads to more homogeneous and fine grain matrix. Afterwards

Author: Eva Mazancová 34

 Subject – Materials for extreme technical applications
Department of Material Engineering, FMMI, VŠB - TUO

heat treatment in annealing and/or galvanic lines follows. Annealing is carried out close above
the Ac1 temperature resulting to 10-15 % of re-austenitized structure, which is consequently
transformed into martensite in ferrite matrix. Fig. 2.7a schematically shows described
process.
a) b)

Fig. 2.7 Schematic illustration of multi-phase steel realization by cold rolling

Ac3

Ferit
Temperature

Ac1
ttransformace
ransformation
Perlit

Bainit
Ms karbidická
Carbide precipitace
precipitation in
bainite area bainitu
v oblasti

TRIP
Mf
DP

Time
Fig. 2.8 Influence of alloyed elements on the CC curves behaviour

Austenite matrix of the DP a TRIP steels is enriched by carbon due to the phase
transformation, resulting to Ms - temperature decrease. Higher carbon content in austenite

Author: Eva Mazancová 35

 Subject – Materials for extreme technical applications
Department of Material Engineering, FMMI, VŠB - TUO

retards ferritic, bainitic and also martensitic transformation and reduces critical cooling rate,
so that the most complex transformation into martensite would be ensured, while in case of
the TRIP steels there is necessary during cooling process into the ambient temperature the
martensitic transformation to suppress. All processes are schematically illustrated in Fig. 2.8,
where is also influence of alloying elements on CC movement included.

Table 2 Properties of selected groups of steel types

Ferritic Ferritic Austnitic
one-phase multi-phase CrNi Mn
Mechanical properties
Re [MPa] 140-500 300-1250 200-400 300-600
Elcelk [%] 20-50 5-40 40-55 50-70
def. strengthening [MPa] 400-600 400-1500 1000 1500
Coef. of deform. up 0,24 up 0,22 up 0,45
strengthening [-]
Vertical anisotropic[-] up 2,4 approximately 1
E [GPa] 212 208 204 185
Physical properties
Ferromagnetism yes Ne
Coef. of thermal 12 16 18
expansion. . 10-6 [K]
density [g.cm-3] 7,8 7,9-8,1 7,3-7,9
.Technological properties
Anticorrosive resistance yes (+Zn) yes yes (+Zn)
Weldeability good limited good – medium
Steel type cast tool steel tool steel

2.1.9. Martensitic steels

These steels are fully or partially martensitic and show high strength properties to the
exclusion of toughness. Their utilization is approximately 4 %. In Table 2 properties of
selected groups of steel types are presented.

Author: Eva Mazancová 36

 Subject – Materials for extreme technical applications
Department of Material Engineering, FMMI, VŠB - TUO

2.1.10. TWIP steels

These material types represent high manganese steels being discussed in next chapter 3.

2.1.11. TRIPLEX steels

These materials represent second types of high manganese steels. Those are also
discussed in next chapter 3.

 Summarization of chapter terms

In the end of this chapter main terms that you should master are repeated
LC, IF, IF-HS, BH, HSLA, REPHOS, DP a TRIP steels

Questions
 Characterise the LC, IF, IF-HS, BH, HSLA, REPHOS, DP a TRIP steels including
approximate chemical compositions.
 Characterise strengthening levels of the IF-HS, HSLA a REPHOS steels
 What is the principle of the BH steels production?
 What is the principle of the DP steels production?
 Could you explain reason for chemical constitution of the TRIP steels and their
treatment?
 What are the multiphase steels?

Literature:

KATSAMAS, A.I.: Steel research int., 77(3) (2006) p. 210.

SAMEK, L., De MOOR, E., PENNING, J., De COOMAN, B.C.: Met. Mat.
Trans., 37A (2006), p. 109.
MAKI, J., De COOMAN, B.C., CLAESSENS, S.: Mat. Sci. Tech., 19 (2003) p.

Author: Eva Mazancová 37

 Subject – Materials for extreme technical applications
Department of Material Engineering, FMMI, VŠB - TUO

125.
SUGIMOTO, K., TSUNEZAWA, M., HOJO, T., IKEDA, S.: ISIJ Int., 44 (9)
(2004) p. 1608.

BLECK, W., Titova, M.: High-strength steels for autobody application. Sborník
1.konf. Materials, metalurgy and interdisciplinary co-working. Edit. VŠB-TU
Ostrava, 2008, p. 139.
IMLAU, K.P., HELLER, T.: Steel research int., 78 (3) (2005) p. 180.
COLDREN, A.P., ELDIS, G.T.: Dual phase steels. Molybdenium Mosaic. Jnl. of
Molybdenium Technology, 9, 1998, 3, p. 3.
HOFMANN, H., MATTISEN, D., SCHUMANN, T.W.: Advanced cold rolled
steels for automotive industry. Steel research int. 80(1) (2009) p.22..
MAZANCOVÁ, E., RUŽIAK, I., SCHINDLER, I.: Influence of rolling
conditions and aging proces on mechanical properties of high manganese steels.
Archives of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, 12 (2012), pp. 142-147.
HOFMANN, H., MATTISEN, D., SCHAUMANN, T.W.: Advanced cold rolled
steels for automotive industry. Steel research int., 80(1) (2009), pp. 22-28.

Author: Eva Mazancová 38