EP2155915A2

EP2155915A2 - Process for manufacturing cold-rolled and annealed steel sheets with very high strength, and sheets thus produced

Info

Publication number: EP2155915A2
Application number: EP08805523A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Javier Gil Otin; Antoine Moulin
Original assignee: ArcelorMittal France SA
Current assignee: ArcelorMittal SA
Priority date: 2007-05-11
Filing date: 2008-04-28
Publication date: 2010-02-24
Anticipated expiration: 2028-04-28
Also published as: MX2009011927A; WO2008145871A8; US20160355900A1; US10612106B2; RU2437945C2; EP1990431A1; MA31555B1; CA2686940C; ZA200907430B; CN101765668A; HUE035549T2; ES2655476T5; KR20100016438A; US20220136078A1; CA2686940A1; CN101765668B; WO2008145871A2; ES2655476T3; WO2008145871A3; JP5398701B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a cold-rolled and annealed steel sheet having a strength greater than 1200 MPa, the composition of which comprises, the contents being expressed by weight: 0.10% < C < 0.25%, 1% = Mn < 3%, Al > 0.010%, Si < 2.990%, S < 0.015%, P < 0.1%, N < 0.008%, it being understood that 1% < Si + Al < 3%, the composition optionally comprising: 0.05% < V < 0.15%, B < 0.005%, Mo < 0.25% Cr < 1.65%, it being understood that Cr + 3 Mo > 0.3%, Ti in an amount such that Ti/N = 4 and Ti < 0.040%, the balance of the composition consisting of iron and inevitable impurities resulting from the smelting, the microstructure of the steel comprising 15 to 90% bainite, the remainder consisting of martensite and of residual austenite.

Description

PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING COLD ROLLED AND RECOVERED STEEL SHEETS WITH HIGH RESISTANCE AND SHEETS THUS PRODUCED

The invention relates to the manufacture of cold-rolled and annealed thin sheets of steels having a strength greater than 1200 MPa and an elongation at break greater than 8%. The automotive sector and the general industry are notably fields of application for these steel sheets.

In the automotive industry, there is a continuing need for vehicle lightening and increased safety. Different families of steels have been successively proposed to meet this need for increased strength: first, steels comprising micro-alloy elements have been proposed. Their hardening is due to the precipitation of these elements and refinement of the grain size. We then witnessed the development of "Dual-Phase" steels where the presence of martensite, constituting a great hardness, in a softer ferritic matrix, allows to obtain a resistance greater than 450MPa associated with good cold forming ability.

In order to further increase the resistance, steels having a "TRIP" (Transformation Induced Plasticity) behavior with very advantageous combinations of properties (resistance-ability to deformation) have been developed: these properties are related to the structure of these structures. steels consisting of a ferritic matrix comprising bainite and residual austenite. The presence of the latter component gives a high ductility to a non-deformed sheet. Under the effect of a subsequent deformation, for example during a uniaxial loading, the residual austenite of a TRIP steel part gradually changes to martensite, which results in a significant consolidation and delays the appearance of 'localized deformation.

Dual Phase or TRIP steel plates have been proposed, with a maximum resistance level of the order of 1000 MPa. Obtaining significantly higher resistance levels, for example 1200-1400MPa, faces various difficulties: The increase in mechanical strength requires a much more heavily loaded chemical analysis of alloying elements, to the detriment of the weldability of these steels.

- There is an increase in the difference in hardness between the ferritic matrix and the hardening components: this results in a local concentration of stresses and deformations and earlier damage, as evidenced by the decline in elongation.

- There is also an increase in the fraction of hardening components within the ferritic matrix: in this case, the islets, initially isolated and small when the resistance is low, become progressively connected and form large constituents that favor here again early damage.

The possibilities of simultaneously obtaining very high levels of resistance and certain other properties of use using TRIP or Dual Phase microstructure steels thus seem limited. To achieve an even higher resistance, ie a level greater than 800-1000 MPa, so-called "multiphase" steels have a predominantly bainitic structure. In the automotive industry or in the general industry, multi-phase steel sheets of medium thickness are used with advantage for structural parts such as bumper crosspieces, uprights, various reinforcements.

In particular, in the field of cold-rolled multiphase steel sheets greater than 980 MPa, patent EP 1559798 describes the manufacture of steels with a composition of: 0.10-0.25% C, 1.0-2.0% % Si, 1, 5-3% Mn, the microstructure consisting of at least 60% bainitic ferrite and at least 5% residual austenite, the polygonal ferrite being less than 20%. The exemplary embodiments presented in this document show that the resistance does not exceed 1200 MPa.

EP 1589126 also describes the manufacture of cold-rolled thin sheets, the product of which (resistance x elongation) is greater than 20000 MPa%. The composition of the steels contains: 0.10-0.28% C, 1.0-2.0% Si, 1-3% Mn, less than 0.10% Nb. The structure consists of more than 50% bainitic ferrite, 5 to 20% residual austenite, and less than 30% polygonal ferrite. Again, the examples presented show that the resistance is still below 1200 MPa.

The present invention aims to solve the problems mentioned above. It aims to provide a cold rolled and annealed thin steel sheet having a mechanical strength greater than 1200 MPa together with an elongation greater than 8% rupture and good cold forming ability. The invention also aims at providing a steel that is not very sensitive to damage during cutting by a mechanical method.

Furthermore, the invention aims to provide a method of manufacturing thin sheets, small variations of the parameters do not lead to significant changes in the microstructure or mechanical properties.

The invention also aims to provide a sheet of steel easily fabricated by cold rolling, that is to say whose hardness after the hot rolling step is limited so that the rolling forces remain moderate during of the cold rolling step.

It also aims to have a thin steel sheet suitable for the possible deposit of a metal coating according to the usual methods.

It also aims to have a steel sheet insensitive to damage by cutting and able to expand the hole.

It also aims to have a steel having good weldability by means of conventional assembly methods such as spot resistance welding.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a cold-rolled and annealed steel sheet with a resistance greater than 1200 MPa, the composition of which comprises the contents being expressed by weight: 0.10% <C <0.25% , 1% <Mn <3%, Al>

0.010%, Si <2.990%, S <0.015%, P <0.1%, N <0.008%, it being understood that

1% ≤Si + Al <3%, the composition optionally comprising: 0.05% <V <

0.15%, B≤0.005%, Mo <0.25%, Cr <1, 65%, with the proviso that Cr + (3 x Mo)

> 0.3%, Ti in an amount such that Ti / N> 4 and Ti≤0.040%, the remainder of the composition consisting of iron and unavoidable impurities resulting from the elaboration, the microstructure of said steel comprising 15 to 90% of bainite, the balance consisting of martensite and residual austenite.

The subject of the invention is also a steel sheet of the above composition, with an elongation at break greater than 10%, characterized in that Mo <

0.005%, Cr <0.005%, B = O, the microstructure of the steel comprising 65 to 90% bainite, the remainder being islands of martensite and residual austenite

The subject of the invention is also a steel sheet of the above composition, characterized in that it contains: Mo <0.25%, Cr <1.65%, it being understood that Cr + (3 x Mo)> 0.3%, B = O, the microstructure of the steel comprising 65 to

90% bainite, the balance consisting of islands of martensite and residual austenite

The subject of the invention is also a steel sheet of the above composition, with a resistance greater than 1400 MPa, an elongation at break greater than 8%, characterized in that it contains: Mo <0.25%, Cr <1, 65%, it being understood that Cr + (3 x Mo)> 0.3%, the microstructure of the steel comprising 45 to 65% of bainite, the remainder being islands of martensite and residual austenite

The subject of the invention is also a steel sheet of the above composition, with a resistance greater than 1600 MPa, with an elongation at break greater than

8%, characterized in that it contains: Mo <0.25%, Cr <1.65%, with the proviso that: Cr + (3 x Mo)> 0.3%, the microstructure of the steel comprising 15 to 45% bainite, the balance consisting of martensite and residual austenite.

According to one particular embodiment, the composition comprises: 0.19% <C <0.23%

According to a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises: 1.5% ≤Mn <2.5%

Preferably, the composition comprises: 1.2% ≤Si <1.8%

By way of preference, the composition comprises: 1, 2% <AI <1.8%

According to a particular mode, the composition comprises: 0.05% <V <0.15%

0.004 ≤N <0.008%.

Preferably, the composition comprises: 0.12% <V <0.15%

In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises: 0.0005 <B <0.003%. Preferably, the average size of the islands of martensite and residual austenite is less than 1 micrometer, the average distance between the islands being less than 6 microns.

The subject of the invention is also a process for manufacturing a cold-rolled steel sheet with a resistance greater than 1200 MPa, with an elongation at break greater than 10%, according to which a composition steel is supplied: 0.10 % <C <0.25%, 1% <Mn <3%, Al> 0.010%, Si <2.990%, with the proviso that: 1% <Si + AI <3%, S <0.015%, P <0, 1%, N≤0.008%, Mo <0.005%, Cr <0.005%, B = 0, the composition optionally comprising: 0.05% <V <0.15%, Ti in an amount such that Ti / N> 4 and that Ti <0.040%. A semi-finished product is cast from this steel, then the semi-finished product is heated to a temperature above 1150 ^° C. and the semi-finished product is hot-rolled to obtain a hot-rolled sheet. The sheet is reeled and stripped and then cold rolled with a reduction ratio of between 30 and 80% so as to obtain a cold-rolled sheet. The cold-rolled sheet is heated at a speed V ₀ of between 5 and 15 ° C./s up to a temperature Ti between Ac 3 and Ac 3 + 20 ° C., for a time ti of between 50 and 150 s, and then cooling is carried out. sheet at a speed VRI greater than 40 ° C / s and less than 100 ° C / s to a temperature T ₂ between (M _s -30 ° C and M _s + 30 ° C). The sheet is maintained at said temperature T ₂ for a time t ₂ of between 150 and 350 seconds and then cooling is carried out at a speed VR _{2 of} less than 30 ^° C./s up to room temperature. The subject of the invention is also a process for manufacturing a cold-rolled steel sheet with a resistance greater than 1200 MPa and an elongation at break of greater than 8%, according to which a composition steel is supplied: 0.10 % <C <0.25%, 1% <Mn <3%, Al> 0.010%, Si <2.990%, with 1% <Si + AI <3%, S <0.015%, P≤ 0.1 %, N <0.008%, Mo <0.25%, Cr <1.65%, with the proviso that Cr + (3 x Mo)> 0.3%, optionally 0.05% <V <0.15%, B <0.005%, Ti in amount such that Ti / N> 4 and Ti <0.040%. The semi-finished product is cast from this steel, the semi-finished product is heated to a temperature above 115 ^° C., and then the semi-finished product is hot-rolled to obtain a hot-rolled sheet. We reel the sheet, it is scoured, and then cold rolled sheet with a reduction rate of between 30 and 80% to obtain a cold rolled sheet.

The cold-rolled sheet is heated to a speed V _c of between 5 and

15 ° C / s to a temperature Ti between Ac3 and Ac3 + 20 ° C, for a time ti between 50 and 150s and then it is cooled to a speed VRI greater than 25 ° C / s and lower than 100 ° C / s up to a temperature T ₂ between B ₈ and (M ₃ - 20 ⁰ C) The sheet is maintained at the temperature T ₂ for a time t ₂ of between 150 and 350 s, then cooling is carried out at a VR ₂ speed below 30 ° C / s to room temperature.

The temperature Ti is preferably between Ac3 + 10 ° C and

Ac3 + 20 ° C.

The invention also relates to the use of a cold rolled steel sheet annealed in one of the above modes, or manufactured by a method according to one of the above modes, for the manufacture structural parts or reinforcement elements, in the automotive field.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description below, given by way of example and with reference to the appended figures attached hereto:

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary structure of a steel sheet according to the invention, the structure being revealed by LePera reagent.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary structure of a steel sheet according to the invention, the structure being revealed by Nital reagent.

The inventors have shown that the above problems were solved when the annealed cold-rolled thin steel sheet had a bainitic microstructure, in addition to islands of martensite and residual austenite, or "MA" islands. For steels with the highest strength greater than 1600 MPa, the microstructure contains a greater amount of martensite and residual austenite. With regard to the chemical composition of steel, carbon plays a very important role in the formation of the microstructure and in the mechanical properties: in combination with other elements of the composition (Cr, Mo, Mn) and with the annealing heat treatment after cold rolling, it increases the hardenability and allows to obtain a bainitic transformation. The carbon contents according to the invention also lead to the formation of islands of martensite and residual austenite whose quantity, morphology, composition make it possible to obtain the properties referred to above. The carbon also retards the formation of the pro-eutectoid ferrite after annealing heat treatment after cold rolling: otherwise, the presence of this phase of low hardness would cause excessive local damage at the interface with the matrix. Hardness is higher. The presence of pre-eutectoid ferrite resulting from annealing must therefore be avoided in order to obtain high levels of mechanical strength. According to the invention, the carbon content is between 0.10 and 0.25% by weight: Below 0.10%, sufficient strength can not be obtained and the stability of the residual austenite is not not satisfactory. Beyond 0.25%, the weldability is reduced due to the formation of quenching microstructures in the heat-affected zone. According to a preferred mode, the carbon content is between 0.19 and 0.23%: within this range, the weldability is very satisfactory, and the quantity, the stability and the morphology of the islets MA are particularly adapted to obtain a favorable pair of mechanical properties (resistance-elongation)

In an amount of between 1 and 3% by weight, an addition of manganese, a gamma-type element, makes it possible to avoid the formation of pro- eutectoid ferrite during cooling after annealing after cold rolling. Manganese also helps to deoxidize steel during liquid phase processing. The addition of manganese also contributes to effective solid solution hardening and increased strength. Preferably, the manganese is between 1, 5 and 2.5% so that these effects are obtained, and without risk of formation of band structure harmful.

Silicon and aluminum play an important role together according to the invention.

Silicon delays the precipitation of cementite during cooling from the austenite after annealing. An addition of silicon according to the invention Thus, it helps to stabilize a sufficient quantity of residual austenite in the form of islets which subsequently transform and progressively become martensite under the effect of a deformation. Another part of the austenite is transformed directly into martensite during cooling after annealing. Aluminum is a very effective element for the deoxidation of steel. As such, its content is greater than or equal to 0.010%. Like silicon, it stabilizes residual austenite.

The effects of aluminum and silicon on the stabilization of austenite are similar; when the silicon and aluminum contents are such that: 1% <Si + Al <3%, a satisfactory stabilization of the austenite is obtained, which makes it possible to form the desired microstructures while retaining satisfactory use properties. Given that the minimum aluminum content is 0.010%, the silicon content is less than or equal to 2.990%.

The silicon content is preferably between 1, 2 and 1, 8% to stabilize a sufficient amount of residual austenite and to avoid intergranular oxidation during the hot winding step preceding the cold rolling. This also avoids the formation of strongly adherent oxides and the possible appearance of surface defects leading in particular to a lack of wettability in dip galvanizing operations.

These effects are also obtained when the aluminum content is preferably between 1, 2 and 1, 8%. At equivalent content, the effects of aluminum are indeed similar to those discussed above for silicon, but the risk of occurrence of superficial defects is, however, less.

The steels according to the invention optionally comprise molybdenum and / or chromium: molybdenum increases quenchability, avoids the formation of pro-eutectoid ferrite and effectively refines the bainitic microstructure. However, a content greater than 0.25% by weight increases the risk of forming a predominantly martensitic microstructure to the detriment of bainite formation. Chromium also helps to prevent the formation of pro-eutectoid ferrite and refinement of the bainitic microstructure. Beyond 1.65%, the risk of obtaining a predominantly martensitic structure is important.

Compared to molybdenum, its effect is however less marked; according to the invention, the chromium and molybdenum contents are such that: Cr + (3x

Mo)> 0.3%. The coefficients of chromium and molybdenum in this relationship reflect their influence on the quenchability, in particular the respective ability of these elements to avoid the formation of pro-eutectoid ferrite under the particular cooling conditions of the invention.

According to an economic mode of the invention, the steel may comprise very low or zero molybdenum and chromium contents, ie contents of less than 0.005% by weight for these two elements, and 0% boron.

To obtain a strength greater than 1400 MPa, the addition of chromium and / or molybdenum is required, in amounts mentioned above.

When the sulfur content is greater than 0.015%, the formability is reduced due to the excessive presence of manganese sulfides.

The phosphorus content is limited to 0.1% so as to maintain sufficient hot ductility.

The nitrogen content is limited to 0.008% to avoid possible aging.

The steel according to the invention optionally contains vanadium in an amount of between 0.05 and 0.15%. In particular, when the nitrogen content is between 0.004 and 0.008%, the precipitation of vanadium can occur during annealing after cold rolling in the form of fine carbonitrides which give additional hardening.

When the vanadium content is between 0.12 and 0.15% by weight, the uniform or breaking elongation is particularly increased.

The steel may optionally comprise boron in an amount of less than or equal to 0.005%. In a preferred embodiment, the steel preferentially contains between 0.0005 and 0.003% of boron, which contributes to the suppression of pro-eutectoid ferrite in the presence of chromium and / or molybdenum. In addition to the other elements of addition, the addition of boron in quantity mentioned above makes it possible to obtain a resistance greater than 1400

MPa.

The steel may optionally comprise titanium in an amount such as Ti / N≥4 and Ti <0.040%, which allows the formation of titanium carbonitrides and increases the hardening.

The rest of the composition consists of unavoidable impurities resulting from the elaboration. The contents of these impurities, such as Sn, Sb, As, are less than 0.005%.

According to one embodiment of the invention intended for the manufacture of steel sheets with a resistance greater than 1200 MPa, the microstructure of the steel is composed of 65 to 90% of bainite, these contents referring to surface percentages, the balance consists of islands of martensite and residual austenite (islets of MA compounds)

This bainitic structure, which does not contain proeutectoid ferrite of low hardness, has an elongation capacity greater than 10%.

According to the invention, the M-A islands regularly dispersed in the matrix have an average size of less than 1 micrometer.

FIG. 1 shows an example of microstructure of a steel sheet according to the invention. The morphology of the M-A islands was revealed by means of suitable chemical reagents: after attack, the M-A islands appear in white on a more or less dark bainitic matrix. Some small islands are located between the slats of bainite ferrite. The islands are observed at magnitudes ranging from about 500 to 150Ox over a statistically representative surface and the average size of the islands as well as the average distance between these islets is measured by means of image analysis software. In the case of FIG. 1, the surface percentage of the islets is

12% and the average size of the M-A islands is less than 1 micrometer.

It has been demonstrated that a specific morphology of the M-A islands was to be particularly sought: when the average size of the islets is less than 1 micrometer and when the average distance between these islets is less than

6 micrometers, the following effects are simultaneously obtained: - limited damage due to failure to initiate breakage on large MA islands

significant curing due to the proximity of many small M-A constituents

According to another embodiment of the invention intended for the manufacture of steel sheets having a strength of greater than 1400 MPa and an elongation at break greater than 8%, the microstructure is composed of 45 to 65% of bainite, the balance being consisting of islands of martensite and residual austenite.

According to another embodiment of the invention intended for the manufacture of steel sheets with a resistance greater than 1600 MPa and an elongation at break greater than 8%, the microstructure is composed of 15 to 45% of bainite, the balance being consisting of martensite and residual austenite.

The implementation of the method for manufacturing a cold rolled and annealed thin sheet according to the invention is as follows:

A steel of composition according to the invention is supplied

- It proceeds to the casting of a half-product from this steel. This casting can be carried out in ingots or continuously in the form of slabs of the order of 200mm thickness. The casting can also be carried out in the form of thin slabs of a few tens of millimeters thick, or thin strips, between contra-rotating steel rolls.

The cast semifinished products are first brought to a temperature higher than 1150 ° C. to reach at any point a temperature favorable to the high deformations which the steel will undergo during rolling. Naturally, in the case of direct casting of thin slabs or thin strips between contra-rotating rolls, the hot rolling step of these semi-finished products starting at more than 115 ^° C. can be done directly after casting so well. that an intermediate heating step is not necessary in this case.

The semi-finished product is hot-rolled. An advantage of the invention is that the final characteristics and the microstructure of the cold-rolled and annealed sheet are relatively independent of the end-of-rolling temperature and the cooling after hot rolling. The sheet is then reeled hot. The winding temperature is preferably less than 550 ^° C. to limit the hardness of the hot-rolled sheet and the intergranular oxidation at the surface. Too much hardness of the hot-rolled sheet leads to excessive forces during subsequent cold rolling and possibly to edge defects. The hot-rolled sheet is then etched according to a method known per se so as to give it a surface state suitable for cold rolling. This is done by reducing the thickness of the hot-rolled sheet by 30 to 80%.

An annealing heat treatment is then carried out, preferably by continuous annealing, which comprises the following phases:

- A heating phase with a speed V ₀ of between 5 and 15 ° C / s. up to a TV temperature When V ₀ is greater than 15 ° C / s, the recrystallization of the cold-worked sheet by the cold rolling may not be complete. A minimum value of 5 ° C / s is required for productivity. A speed V ₀ of between 5 and 15 ° C./s makes it possible to obtain an austenite grain size that is particularly suitable for the desired final microstructure.

The temperature Ti is between A _C3 and A _C3 ⁺ 20 ° C, the temperature A _C3 corresponding to the total conversion to austenite during heating. A _c3 depends on the composition of the steel and the heating rate and can be determined for example by dilatometry. Total austenitization limits the subsequent formation of proeutectoid ferrite. It is important that the temperature Ti be less than A _C3 + 20 ° C in order to avoid exaggerated magnification of the austenitic grain. Within this range (A _C3 - A _C3 ⁺ 20 ^o C), the characteristics of the final product are insensitive to a temperature variation T ₁ .

Very preferably, the temperature ^" Pi is between Ac ₃ + 10 ° C and Ac ₃ + 20 ° C. In these conditions, the inventors have demonstrated that the austenitic grain size is more homogeneous and finer, which leads to subsequently to the formation of a final microstructure which also has these characteristics.

Maintaining the temperature Ti for a time t1 between 50s and 150s. This step leads to a homogenization of the austenite. The next step in the process depends on the chromium and molybdenum content of the steel:

When the steel contains practically no chromium, molybdenum and boron, that is to say when Cr <0.005%, Mo <0.005%, B = 0%, cooling is carried out with a speed V _R1 greater than 40 ° C / s and less than 100 ° C / s to a temperature T ₂ between M _s -30 ° C and M _s + 30 ° C. For these cooling rate conditions, carbon diffusion in the austenite is limited. This effect is saturated beyond 100 ° C / s. Hold is performed at this temperature T ₂ for a time t ₂ between 150 and 350s. M _s denotes the martensitic transformation start temperature. This temperature depends on the composition of the steel used and can be determined for example by dilatometry. These conditions prevent the formation of proeutectoid ferrite during cooling. In these conditions, a bainitic transformation of most of the austenite is also obtained. The remaining fraction is converted to martensite or is optionally stabilized as a residual austenite.

- When the steel has a chromium and molybdenum content such that Mo <0.25%, Cr <1.65%, and Cr + (3 x Mo)> 0.3%, cooling is carried out with a speed VRI greater than 25 ° C / s and less than

100 ° C / s to a temperature T ₂ between (B _s and M _s -20 ° C) Hold is performed at this temperature T ₂ for a time t ₂ between 150 and 350s. Bs denotes the temperature of the beginning of bainitic transformation. These conditions make it possible to obtain the same microstructural characteristics as above. The addition of chromium and / or molybdenum makes it possible in particular to ensure that the formation of proeutectoid ferrite does not occur. In the cooling speed limits V _R i according to the invention, the final characteristics of the product are relatively insensitive to a variation of this speed.

Vm.

The next step in the process is the same, whether or not the product contains chromium and / or molybdenum: a VR ₂ speed below 30 ° C / s to room temperature. In particular, when the temperature T ₂ is low within the ranges according to the invention, the cooling at a speed VR _{2 of} less than 30 ° C./s causes a return of the islands of newly formed martensite, which is favorable in terms of of use properties.

Example:

Steels have been developed, the composition of which is given in the table below, expressed in percentage by weight. In addition to the steels 1-1 to I-5 used for the production of sheets according to the invention, the composition of steels R-1 to R-5 used for the manufacture of reference sheets has been indicated for comparison purposes. .

Table 1 Compositions of steel (% by weight). I = according to the invention. R = reference Underlined values: Not in accordance with the invention.

Semi-finished products corresponding to the above compositions were heated to 1200 ^° C., hot-rolled to a thickness of 3 mm and wound at a temperature below 55 ^° C. The sheets were then cold-rolled at a thickness of 0.9 mm or a reduction rate of 70%. From the same composition, some steels have been subject to different manufacturing conditions. References 11-a, 11-b and 11-c, 11-d designate for example four steel sheets manufactured under different conditions from the steel composition 11. Table 2 indicates the manufacturing conditions of the annealed sheets after cold rolling. The heating rate V ₀ is 10 ⁰ CVs in all cases.

Transformation temperatures _Ac3, B ₃ and M _s were also brought in Table 2.

The different microstructural constituents measured by quantitative microscopy were also reported: surface fraction of bainite, martensite and residual austenite.

Islets M-A have been evidenced by LePera's reagent. Their morphology was examined using an image analysis software

Scion®.

Table 2: Manufacturing conditions and microstructure of the hot-rolled sheets obtained. I = according to the invention. R = reference Underlined values: Not according to the invention.

The tensile mechanical properties obtained (yield strength Re ₁ resistance Rm, uniform elongation Au, elongation at break At) were given in Table 3 below. The Re / Rm ratio was also indicated. In some cases, the breaking energy was determined at -40 ^° C. from Charpy V type resilience specimens reduced to a thickness of 1.4 mm. Damage related to a cut (for example, shearing or punching) has also been evaluated which could possibly reduce the capacity for subsequent deformation of a cut piece. For this purpose, 20 × 80 mm ² specimens were cut by shearing. Some of these specimens were then polished at the edges. The specimens were coated with photodeposited grids and then subjected to uniaxial traction until rupture. The values of the principal deformations εi parallel to the direction of the stress have been measured as close as possible to the initiation of the rupture from the deformed grids. This measurement was carried out on the specimens with mechanically cut edges and on the specimens with polished edges. Cutting sensitivity is evaluated by the damage factor: Δ = εi (cut edges) -εi (polished edges) / polished εφords).

For some sheets, damage was also evaluated in the vicinity of edges cut from samples of 105x105mm ² having a hole with an initial diameter of 10mm. The relative increase in the diameter of the hole is measured after introducing a conical punch until a crack appears.

Table 3: Mechanical properties of cold-rolled and annealed sheets. Underlined Values: Not in accordance with the invention. Nd: not determined

The sheets of composition according to the invention and manufactured according to the conditions of the invention (11 -a, 12-ab, 13-a, 14, 15) have a particularly advantageous combination of mechanical properties: on the one hand a resistance mechanical higher than 1200 MPa, on the other hand an elongation at break always greater than or equal to 10%. The steels according to the invention also have a Charpy V fracture energy at -40 ^° C. greater than 40 Joules / cm ² . This allows the manufacture of parts resistant to the sudden propagation of a fault especially in case of dynamic stresses. The microstructures of the steels with a minimum strength of 1200 MPa and a minimum breaking elongation of 10% according to the invention comprise a bainit content between 65 and 90%, the balance consisting of M-A islands. FIG. 1 thus shows the microstructure of the steel sheet I3a comprising 88% of bainite and 12% of islets MA ₁ revealed by a LePera reagent attack. Figure 2 shows this microstructure revealed by a Nital attack. In the case of steels having a minimum strength of 1400 MPa and a minimum breaking elongation of 8%, the steels according to the invention have a bainite content of between 45 and 65%, the balance being MA islands. In the case of steels having a minimum strength of 1600 MPa and a minimum breaking elongation of 8%, the steels according to the invention have a bainite content of between 15 and 35%, the balance being martensite and residual austenite. The steel sheets according to the invention have an island size of less than 1 micrometer MA, the inter-island distance being less than 6 micrometers.

The steels according to the invention also have good resistance to damage in case of cutting since the damage factor Δ is limited to -23%. A steel sheet that does not have these characteristics (R5) may have a 43% damage factor. The sheets according to the invention have good hole expansion capability. The steels according to the invention also have good weldability: for welding parameters adapted to the thicknesses mentioned above, the welded joints are free of cold or hot cracks.

The steel sheets 11-b and 11-c have been annealed at a temperature Ti too low, the austenitic transformation is not complete. As a result, the microstructure comprises proeutectoid ferrite (40% for Mb, 20% for 11-c) and an excessive content of M-A islands. The mechanical strength is then reduced by the presence of proeutectoid ferrite.

For the steel sheet 11-d, the holding temperature T ₂ is greater than Ms + 30 ° C: the bainitic transformation which occurs at higher temperature gives rise to a coarser structure and leads to insufficient mechanical strength. For the steel sheet 1-2c, the cooling rate VRI after annealing is not sufficient, the microstructure formed is more heterogeneous and the elongation at break is reduced to below 10%.

For the sheet 1-3b, the holding temperature T2 is less than Ms-20 ° C: consequently, the cooling VRI causes the appearance of a bainite formed at low temperature and martensite, associated with insufficient elongation.

The steel R1 has an insufficient (silicon + aluminum) content, the holding temperature T ₂ is less than Ms-20 ° C. Due to the insufficient content of (Si + Al), the amount of MA islands formed is insufficient to obtain a resistance greater than or equal to 1200 MPa.

R2 and R3 steels have insufficient carbon, manganese, silicon + aluminum contents. The amount of MA compounds formed is less than 10%. In addition, the annealing temperature Ti lower than A _C3 leads to an excessive content of proeutectoid ferrite and cementite, and insufficient strength.

R4 steel is deficient in (Si + AI) cooling rate

VRI is particularly weak. The enrichment of carbon austenite during cooling is then insufficient to allow the formation of martensite and to obtain the strength and elongation properties of the invention.

Steel R5 also has an insufficient content of (Si + Al). The insufficiently fast cooling rate after annealing leads to excessive proeutectoid ferrite content and insufficient mechanical strength.

Starting from the manufacturing process of the steel sheet 12-a, a 12-d steel sheet was manufactured according to a process having identical characteristics, with the exception of the temperature Ti equal to 830 ^° C., ie the temperature A _C 3 in the case where J ^ is equal to A _C3, suitability for conical hole expansion is

25%. When the temperature T ₁ is equal to 850 ⁰ C (A _c3 + 20 ° C), the ability to expand is increased up to 31%.

Thus, the invention allows the manufacture of steel sheets combining a very high strength and high ductility. The steel sheets according to the invention are used profitably for the manufacture of structural parts or reinforcement elements in the automotive field and general industry.

Claims

1. Cold-rolled and annealed steel sheet with a resistance greater than 1200 MPa, the composition of which comprises the contents being expressed by weight:

0.10% <C <0.25%

1% <Mn <3%

Al> 0.010%

If <2.990%

S <0.015%

P≤ 0.1%

N <0.008% understood that

1% <Si + AI <3%, the composition optionally comprising: 0.05% ≤ V ≤ 0.15%

B <0.005%

Mo <0.25%

Cr <1, 65% being understood that

Cr + (3 x Mo) ≥0.3%,

Ti in an amount such that Ti / N> 4 and Ti <0.040%, the remainder of the composition consisting of iron and unavoidable impurities resulting from the development, the microstructure of said steel comprising 15 to 90% of bainite, the balance consisting of martensite and residual austenite

2. Steel sheet according to claim 1, elongation at break greater than 10%, characterized in that

Mo <0.005%

Cr <0.005%

B = 0% the microstructure of said steel comprising 65 to 90% of bainite, the remainder being islands of martensite and residual austenite

3. Sheet steel according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains

Mo <0.25%

Cr <1, 65% being understood that

Cr + (3 x Mo)> 0.3%,

B = 0%, the microstructure of said steel comprising 65 to 90% of bainite, the remainder being islands of martensite and residual austenite

4. Steel sheet according to claim 1, of greater strength than

1400 MPa, elongation at break greater than 8%, characterized in that it contains

Mo <0.25%

Cr <1, 65% being understood that

Cr + (3 x Mo)> 0.3%, the microstructure of said steel comprising 45 to 65% of bainite, the remainder being islands of martensite and residual austenite

5. Sheet steel according to claim 1, of greater strength than

1600MPa, elongation at break greater than 8%, characterized in that it contains

Mo <0.25%

Cr <1, 65% being understood that

Cr + (3 x Mo)> 0.3%, the microstructure of said steel comprising 15 to 45% of bainite, the remainder consisting of martensite and residual austenite

6. Sheet steel according to any one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that the composition of said steel contains, the content being expressed by weight:

0.19% <C <0.23%

7. Sheet steel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the composition of said steel contains, the content being expressed by weight:

1.5% <Mn <2.5%

8. Sheet steel according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the composition of said steel contains, the content being expressed by weight:

1, 2% ≤ Si <1, 8%

9. Sheet steel according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the composition of said steel contains, the content being expressed by weight:

1, 2% ≤ AI <1, 8%

10. Sheet steel according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the composition of said steel contains, the content being expressed by weight:

0.05% <V <0.15%

0.004 ≤N <0.008%

11. Sheet steel according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the composition of said steel contains, the content being expressed by weight:

0.12% <V <0.15%

12. Sheet steel according to any one of claims 1, 4 or 5, characterized in that the composition of said steel contains, the content being expressed by weight:

0.0005 <B <0.003%

13. Sheet steel according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the average size of said islands of martensite and residual austenite is less than 1 micrometer, the average distance between said islands being less than 6 micrometers

14. A process for manufacturing a cold-rolled steel sheet with a resistance greater than 1200 MPa and an elongation at break greater than 10%, according to which:

a composition steel is supplied according to claim 2, and then

- the casting of a half-product from this steel, then

said half-product is brought to a temperature greater than 115 ^° C., and then

said half-product is hot-rolled to obtain a hot-rolled sheet, and then

said sheet is reeled, then

said hot-rolled sheet is de-scoured and then

said sheet is cold-rolled with a reduction ratio of between 30 and 80% so as to obtain a cold-rolled sheet, and then

said cold-rolled sheet is heated at a speed V _c of between 5 and 15 ° C./s up to a temperature Ti between Ac3 and Ac3 + 20 ° C., for a time t1 of between 50 and 150s, then cooled down said sheet at a speed V _R i greater than 40 ° C / s and less than 100 ° C / s to a temperature T ₂ between (M _s -30 ° C and M _s + 30 ° C), it is maintained said sheet at said temperature T ₂ during a time t ₂ of between 150 and 350 seconds and then cooling is carried out at a speed V _R 2 of less than 30 ^° C./s up to room temperature

15. A process for manufacturing a cold-rolled steel sheet with a resistance greater than 1200 MPa and an elongation at break greater than 8%, according to which:

- A steel composition is provided according to any one of claims 1 or 3 to 5, the Mo and Cr being such that Mo <0.25%, Cr <1, 65%, provided that: Cr + (3 x MB)> 0.3%, then

- the casting of a half-product from this steel, then

said half-product is brought to a temperature above 1150 ^° C., and then

said half-product is hot-rolled to obtain a hot-rolled sheet, and then

said sheet is reeled, then

said hot-rolled sheet is de-scoured and then

said cold-rolled sheet is heated at a speed V _c of between 5 and 15 ° C./s up to a temperature Ti between Ac3 and Ac3 + 20 ° C., for a time t1 of between 50 and 150s and then cooled said sheet at a speed VRI greater than 25 ° C / s and less than 100 ° C / s to a temperature T ₂ between B ₃ and (M ₅ - 20 ^° C), said sheet is maintained at said temperature T ₂ for a time t ₂ of between 150 and 350 seconds and then cooling is carried out at a speed VR _{2 of} less than 30 ^° C./s up to room temperature

16. The manufacturing method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the temperature Ti is between A _C3 +10 ⁰ C and A _C3 + 20 ° C

17. Use of a cold rolled and annealed steel sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 13, or manufactured by a process according to any one of claims 14 to 16 for the manufacture of structural parts or reinforcement elements, in the automotive field