Abstract Scope |
This study examines four cerium-modified low-carbon steels, designated S1, S2, S3, and S4, with cerium (Ce) content at levels of 0.03 wt.%, 0.1 wt.%, 0.3 wt.%, and 0.6 wt.%, respectively. All tested steels primarily feature a polygonal ferrite microstructure, with pearlite as the secondary phase, along with cerium-containing precipitates, primarily oxides and oxysulfides. Moderate amounts of Widmanstätten and acicular ferritic structures are observed in S1, S2, and S3 steels but are absent in S4 steel. The development of Ce-rich intermetallic phases, particularly Ce2Fe17 and Ce2C3, is likely in S4 steel, while S3 steel shows much closer inter-particle spacing of the precipitates. Each steel exhibits distinct responses in uniaxial tensile tests, and the damage and failure mechanisms are detailed through advanced characterization techniques and fractographic analysis. |