Journal Article

PUBDB-2026-00589

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Influence of Tramp Elements on Phase Transformations, Microstructure and Hardness of a 0.3 wt.%C Low-Alloyed Steel

Gocnik, M. (Corresponding author)Extern* ; Hatzenbichler, L.Extern* ; Meindlhumer, M.Extern* ; Haslberger, P. ; Galler, M. ; Stark, A.Extern*Hereon* ; Olsson, C. A.Extern* ; Keckes, J.Extern* ; Schnitzer, R.Extern*

2025
MDPI Basel

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.3390/met15091053  doi:10.3204/PUBDB-2026-00589

Abstract: Decarbonizing the steel industry relies on a transition from carbon-intensive blast furnacetechnology to scrap-based secondary steelmaking using electric arc furnaces. Thistransition introduces tramp elements and leads to their gradual accumulation, which cansignificantly influence the functional properties of chemically sensitive steel grades. Inthis study, the combined impact of several tramp element contents on the phase transformations,microstructure and mechanical properties of a 0.3 wt.% C low-alloyed steel wasinvestigated. To achieve this, a reference alloy was produced using the conventional blastfurnace production route. It was then compared with two trial alloys, which containedintentionally elevated levels of tramp elements and were produced through an experimentalmelting route designed to simulate scrap-based electric arc furnace production.The experimental characterization included light optical and electron microscopy, electronback-scatter diffraction, in situ synchrotron high-energy X-ray diffraction coupled withdilatometry, and Vickers hardness testing. The results revealed the formation of displacivetransformation products such as martensite and showed that austenite was retained in thetramp element-enriched trial alloys. The combination of solid solution strengthening andmartensitic transformation led to a gradual increase in hardness. These findings underscorethe critical role of tramp elements in determining the microstructural and mechanicalresponse of steels produced from scrap-based feedstock.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. DOOR-User (DOOR ; HAS-User)
2. Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon (Hereon)

Research Program(s):

1. 6G3 - PETRA III (DESY) (POF4-6G3) (POF4-6G3)

Experiment(s):

1. PETRA Beamline P07 (PETRA III)

Appears in the scientific report 2025

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