A method of manufacturing a grain-oriented silicon steel sheet exhibiting excellent magnetic characteristics over the entire length of a coil thereof, which involves hot rolling a silicon steel slab containing aluminum and suitable for making a grain-oriented silicon steel sheet; annealing the steel sheet, as the need arises; cold rolling the steel sheet to a final thickness, the cold rolling including an intermediate annealing process; performing a heat effect treatment before, during or after the cold rolling; performing a decarburizing annealing; and performing a final annealing process. The method inhibits oxidation of the surfaces of the steel sheet during the cold rolling.

Patent
   RE36423
Priority
Jul 22 1994
Filed
Jan 26 1998
Issued
Dec 07 1999
Expiry
Jan 26 2018
Assg.orig
Entity
Large
3
3
all paid
1. A method of manufacturing a grain-oriented silicon steel sheet which exhibits excellent magnetic characteristics over the entire length of a coil thereof, comprising the steps of:
hot rolling a silicon steel slab that contains aluminum to form a steel sheet;
annealing said steel sheet, as the need arises;
cold rolling said steel sheet to a final thickness, said cold rolling comprising one pass or plural passes including an intermediate annealing;
performing a heat effect treatment, said heat effect treatment being selected from the group consisting of a coil heating process performed before said cold rolling, a warm rolling process performed during said cold rolling, an aging heat treatment performed during said cold rolling, a heat maintenance process performed during said cold rolling, and a heat maintenance process performed after said cold rolling, said heat effect treatment being performed in an atmosphere having an oxygen concentration of about 10 vol % or lower;
performing a decarburizing annealing on said steel sheet after said cold rolling and said heat effect treatment; and
performing a final annealing after said decarburizing annealing on said steel sheet;
whereby nitriding of said steel sheet during said final annealing is minimized so that excellent magnetic characteristics are maintained over the entire length of said steel sheet.
3. A method of manufacturing a grain-oriented silicon steel sheet which exhibits excellent magnetic characteristics over the entire length of a coil thereof, comprising the steins of:
hot rolling a silicon steel slab that contains aluminum to form a steel sheet;
annealing said steel sheet, as the need arises;
cold rolling said steel sheet to a final thickness, said cold rolling comprising one stage or plural stages including an intermediate annealing, wherein at least one of the group consisting of rolling oil, roll coolant oil and strip coolant oil is used in said cold rolling, and an inhibitor for inhibiting oxidation of said steel sheet is added to at least one of said group;
performing a heat effect treatment, said heat effect treatment being selected from the group consisting of a coil heating process performed before said cold rolling, a warm rolling process performed during said cold rolling, an aging heat treatment performed during said cold rolling, a heat maintenance process performed during said cold rolling, and a heat maintenance process performed after said cold rolling;
performing a decarburizing annealing on said steel sheet; and
performing a final annealing on said steel sheet;
whereby nitriding of said steel sheet during said final annealing is minimized so that excellent magnetic characteristics are maintained over the entire length of said steel sheet.
2. A method of manufacturing a grain-oriented silicon steel sheet which exhibits excellent magnetic characteristics over the entire length of a coil thereof, comprising the steps of:
hot rolling a silicon steel slab that contains aluminum to form a steel sheet;
annealing said steel sheet, as the need arises;
cold rolling said steel sheet to a final thickness, said cold rolling comprising one stage or plural stages including an intermediate annealing, said steel sheet having a liquid thereon during said cold rolling, said cold rolling also including a step wherein the amount of said liquid is reduced during at least one pass of said cold rolling, said step being performed in a downstream region from a roll bite outlet of said cold rolling to a position at which said steel is wound;
performing a heat effect treatment, said heat effect treatment being selected from the group consisting of a coil heating process performed before said cold rolling, a warm rolling process performed during said cold rolling, an aging heat treatment performed during said cold rolling, a heat maintenance process performed during said cold rolling, and a heat maintenance process performed after said cold rolling;
performing a decarburizing annealing on said steel sheet; and
performing a final annealing on said steel sheet;
whereby nitriding of said steel sheet during said final annealing is minimized so that excellent magnetic characteristics are maintained over the entire length of said steel sheet.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a grain-oriented silicon steel sheet exhibiting excellent magnetic characteristics, and, more particularly, a method of stabilizing the magnetic characteristics in the lengthwise direction of a coil of a grain-oriented silicon steel sheet.

2. Description of the Related Art

Grain-oriented silicon steel sheet is used in transformer cores, generators and the like, and therefore requires excellent, magnetic characteristics such as high magnetic flux density (usually indicated by value B8 at a magnetic-field intensity of 800 A/m) and small iron loss (usually indicated by 50 Hz alternating iron loss value W17/50 at the maximum magnetic flux density of 1.7 T).

Much work has gone into minimizing iron loss in grain-oriented silicon steel, and improvements have resulted from (1) reducing the thickness of the steel sheet, (2) increasing Si content, and (3) reducing the diameters of crystal grains. Such steps have enabled the production of a material that exhibits an iron loss W17/50 of only 0.90 W/kg.

However, reducing iron loss even further has proven difficult because further reductions in the steel sheet thickness causes defects to arise during secondary recrystallization, thus increasing iron loss. Similarly, reducing crystal grain diameters below an average diameter of about 4 mm to 8 mm also causes iron-loss-increasing defects to arise during secondary recrystallization. Moreover, increasing Si content negatively affects the ease with which cold rolling can be performed.

However, by using a so-called magnetic domain refining technique in which a local distortion is introduced into the surface of the steel sheet, or grooves are formed on the same, iron loss can be considerably reduced.

That is, in the case of the foregoing material having an iron loss W17/50 of 0.90 W/kg, introduction of appropriate local distortion on the surface of the steel sheet (by a plasma jetting method or the like) has reduced iron loss of 0.80 W/kg. This magnetic domain refining technique also eliminates the need to reduce crystal grain diameters in the final product, as is required in conventional techniques. The quality of material produced through the magnetic domain refining technique depends upon the thickness of the steel sheet, the Si content, and the magnetic flux density.

Since Si content cannot be increased without negatively affecting the working properties necessary for the steel, minimization of iron loss requires increasing the magnetic flux density of a thin material.

To improve the magnetic flux density of a grain-oriented silicon steel sheet, the orientation of crystal grains of the product must be highly integrated in orientation (110) [001], known as the Goss orientation. Such Goss oriented grains can be obtained through a secondary recrystallization phenomenon created during a final annealing process.

In such a secondary recrystallization, selective crystal grain growth is promoted in crystal grains having the orientation (110) [001], while growth of crystal grains in other orientations is minimized by adding an inhibitor. The inhibitor forms a fine deposited and dispersed phase in the steel, thereby selectively inhibiting growth of grains.

Since the selective growth of Goss oriented grains produces a material exhibiting high magnetic flux density, there has been much research and development regarding inhibitors. A particularly effectively AlN inhibitor has been disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 46-23820, wherein a steel sheet containing Al is subjected to a rapid cooling process after it has been annealed but before a final cold rolling process is performed. The final cold rolling is performed using a high rolling reduction ratio of 80% to 95% to produce a steel sheet having a thickness of 0.35 mm and a high magnetic flux density B10 of 1.981 T (B8 of about 1.95 T).

However, steel sheet produced by the above-described method suffers from the problem that high magnetic flux density cannot be maintained when the sheet thickness is reduced.

That is, (110) [001]oriented grains, which form the nuclei of the secondary recrystallization, are not distributed uniformly in the direction of the thickness of the steel sheet. Instead, the grains are concentrated near the surface layer of the steel sheet. Therefore, if the thickness of the sheet is reduced, (110) [001]orientated grains are readily affected by the atmosphere in which the final annealing process is performed, such that the secondary recrystallization becomes unstable. Thus, a method of stabilizing the magnetic characteristics has been widely sought after.

Accordingly, a variety of techniques for manufacturing grain-oriented silicon steel sheet having excellent and table magnetic characteristics have been developed. For example, a technique in which an aging heat treatment is performed at 50°C to 350°C for one or more minutes during the rolling process (Japanese Patent Publication No. 54-13846), a technique in which the steel sheet is maintained at 300°C to 600°C for 1 to 30 seconds during the cold rolling process (Japanese Patent Publication No. 54-29182) and a warm rolling technique in which the temperature of the inlet portion of the rolling stand is controlled to 150°C to 300°C have all been developed. However, all of the foregoing techniques are unsatisfactory methods for manufacturing industrial products because, while the coils manufactured from steels made in accordance with the above-described techniques exhibit excellent magnetic characteristics at either end of the coils (the leading and tailing ends of the steel), the magnetic characteristics in the central portion of the coil are deteriorated.

As described above, if a warm rolling process (for raising the temperature of the steel sheet) or an aging heat treatment is performed during the cold rolling of a grain-oriented silicon steel sheet containing Al, the magnetic flux density markedly deteriorates except the two ends of the product.

After investigating the foregoing problem, we discovered that, although the secondary recrystallization is completed in all regions of the product, the orientation of the crystal grains in the regions in which the magnetic flux density deteriorates departs considerably from the orientation (110) [001].

As shown in FIG. 1, the measured change in the angle of deviation in plane from the orientation [001](the "angle of deviation" is hereinafter referred to as "angle α") increases except the two ends of the coil, thus causing the magnetic flux density to be lowered.

This phenomenon occurs when cold rolling is performed at a warm temperature range from about 100°C to 300°C, or when an aging or heat treatment is performed during the rolling process. The foregoing phenomenon often takes place in inverse proportion to the thickness of the steel sheet.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method of advantageously manufacturing a grain-oriented silicon steel sheet that is capable of maintaining excellent magnetic characteristics throughout the overall length of a coil of a grain-oriented silicon steel plateplateplatea hot rolling an annealing process, and then is cold rolled one or two times stage or two stages to a final thickness, the cold rolling including an intermediate annealing process. To improve the magnetic characteristics of the steel plate sheet, a warm rolling and an aging heat treatment are performed at this time.

The aging heat treatment performed between rolling passes includes a heat treatment of short duration using a continuous furnace; the aging is accomplished by using the sensible heat of the coil when the coil is wound after the rolling process has been performed. Another heat treatment is performed on the coil for an extended time in a BOX furnace. The concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere during the heat treatment is limited to about 10 % or lower.

A process for inhibiting local oxidation on the surface of the steel plate sheet according to the present invention is also performed. As a result, a grain-oriented silicon steel plate sheet is produced that exhibits excellent magnetic characteristics over the entire length of a coil thereof.

According to the present invention, there may be employed any of the following warm rolling methods: heating the coil before the coil is rolled; limiting the use of rolling oil used in lubricating the rolls and for cooling the coil such that heat generated during the rolling operation is used in a warm rolling process; and a method combining the foregoing two methods. The rolling machine may be a reverse-type machine reverse mill, such as a Sendzimer mill, or a continuous-type machine continuous mill, such as a tandem-type tandem mill.

According to the present invention, the concentration of oxygen is limited to about 10 vol % or lower in any of the atmospheres in which the coil is heated before the coil is rolled, in which the coil is wound and retained between rolling passes, or in which the coil is wound and retained after the coil has been rolled. As a result, a grain-oriented silicon steel plate sheet can be obtained that exhibits excellent magnetic characteristics over the entire length of a coil thereof.

If the concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere used in the heat effect treatment is higher than about 10 vol %, the surface of the rolled steel plate sheet is easily oxidized and nitrided. Consequently, nitriding proceeds during the final annealing process, thereby deteriorating the magnetic characteristics of the coil except at either end of the coil. Thus, it is important to limit the concentration of oxygen in the heat effect treatment atmosphere to about 10 vol % or lower.

As for components other than oxygen in heat effect treatment atmospheres, it is preferable that a neutral atmosphere of N2 or Ar be employed. However, a reducing atmosphere comprising a mixture of H2, CO or CO2 is also permitted.

After cold rolling, the coil of the present invention is subjected to a conventional decarburizing annealing process, followed by the application of an annealing separation agent separator. The coil is then subjected to the final annealing process, including the secondary recrystallization and annealing for purification. After the final annealing process has been completed, non-reacted portions of the separation agent separator are removed, followed by an application of an. insulating coating, as the need arises. Finally, the steel is subjected to a flattening heat treatment.

A means according to the present invention for inhibiting the local oxidation of the surface of the steel plate sheet involves performing at least one oxidation inhibiting process pass as part of the rolling passes for the cold rolling process. The oxidation inhibiting process pass reduces the liquid existing on the surface of the steel plate sheet and is performed in a downstream region ranging from the roll bite outlet of the rolling process to the position at which the steel plate sheet is wound.

As a result of the foregoing oxidation inhibiting process, the quantity of the water screen existing on the surface of the steel plate sheet is reduced, as well as the total quantity of dissolved oxygen existing in water. Therefore, local oxidation of the steel plate sheet is effectively inhibited. As a matter of course, it is preferable that the foregoing oxidation inhibiting process be performed in every rolling pass.

Another means for inhibiting the local oxidation of the steel plate sheet is to cause an oxidation inhibiting agent to be contained in liquid existing on the surface of the steel plate sheet.

This can be accomplished by adding the oxidation inhibiting agent to the rolling oil, the roll coolant oil and/or the strip coolant oil used in the cold rolling process.

Examples of oxidation inhibiting agents include aliphatic amine of tallow, sorbitan mono-oleate, ester of succinic acid and the like. Other inhibiting agents may also be employed.

Although any of the above-described means for inhibiting local oxidation on the surface of the steel plate sheet provides a satisfactory effect, employment of two or more means can enhance the effect obtained.

After the steel plate sheet has been rolled to a final thickness by the above-described cold rolling process, a conventional decarburizing annealing process is performed, followed by the application of an annealing separation agent separator to the steel plate sheet. Then, the steel sheet is subjected to a final annealing process in which secondary recrystallization and annealing for purification are performed.

After the final annealing process has been performed, non-reacted portions of the separator are removed, and thereafter an insulating coating material is applied. Finally, a flattening heat treatment is performed, if needed.

It is also understood that a magnetic domain refining process, such as irradiation with laser beams or plasma irradiation, may be performed.

Other and further objectives, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description.

The invention will now be described through illustrative examples. The examples are not intended to limit the invention defined in the appended claims.

A steel slab, containing C by 0.07 wt %, Si by 3.25 wt %, Mn by 0.07 wt %, S by 0.004 wt %, Al by 0.028 wt %, Sb by 0.028 wt % and N by 0.007 wt % and the balance substantially consisting of Fe, was heated to 1250° C, then hot rolled to produce a hot-rolled steel sheet having a thickness of 1.8 mm. Then, the steel sheet was subjected to an annealing at 1150°C for one minute, followed by a pickling. The steel sheet was divided into two coils, and each coil was cold rolled with six passes by a Sendzimir mill so that it had a final thickness of 0.20 mm. At this time, the first coil was subjected to a warm rolling process in which the quantity of the rolling oil was limited so as to raise the temperature of the rolled steel sheet after the second pass from 150°C to 220°C

The second coil was subjected to a process which maintained the temperature at which the coil was wound after the cold rolling process had been performed. This process involved surrounding the winding apparatus with a box-type structure into which N2 gas was injected so that the concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere was limited to between 1 vol % to 5 vol %.

The second coil was wound according to a conventional technique in ambient atmosphere.

Then, both of the coils were degreased and subjected to the decarburizing annealing process at 850°C for 2 minutes in an atmosphere of 40 vol % H2, the dew point of the atmosphere being 50°C Then, MgO containing TiO2 by 5 wt % and Sr(OH)2 •8H2 O by 3 wt % was, as an annealing separator, applied to the coils, after which the coils were wound into coil form. Then, the coils were subjected to the final annealing process.

The final annealing process was performed such that the temperature of the coils were maintained at 850°C for 15 hours in an atmosphere of N2, after which the temperature was raised to 1200°C at a rate of 15°C/hour in an atmosphere of 25 vol % N2 and 75 vol % H2. Then, the temperature was maintained at 1200°C for 5 hours in an atmosphere of H2.

After the final annealing process had been performed, non-reacted portions of the separator were removed from each of the coils, and then tension coating liquid containing magnesium phosphate and colloidal silica was applied. Thereafter, a flattening annealing process which also baked the coating material was performed at 800°C for 1 minute.

Results of the magnetic characteristic evaluations of the leading portion, the central portion and the tailing end of each coil are shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1
______________________________________
EXAMPLE OF COMPARATIVE
THIS INVENTION EXAMPLE
CONCENTRATION OF OXYGEN
WHEN COIL IS WOUND
1-5 vol % 21 vol %
MAGNETIC CHARACTERISTICS
POSITION IN Bg W17/50
Bg W17/50
THE COIL (T) (W/kg) (T) (W/kg)
______________________________________
LEADING END 1.932 0.783 1.924 0.824
CENTRAL 1.935 0.764 1.846 1.093
PORTION
TAILING END 1.933 0.775 1.928 0.816
______________________________________

As shown in Table 1, the conventional coil exhibited deterioration in the magnetic characteristics in the central portion thereof, whereas no such deterioration occurred in the coil according to the present invention.

A steel slab, containing C by 0.078 wt %, Si by 3.35 wt %, Mn by 0.07 wt %, S by 0.007 wt %, Al by 0.028 wt %, Se by 0.020 wt %, Sb by 0.025 wt % and N by 0.007 wt %, with the balance substantially consisting of Fe, was heated to 1420°C, then hot rolled to form a hot-rolled steel sheet having a thickness of 2.2 mm. Then, the steel sheet was subjected to an annealing process at 1000°C for 50 seconds, followed by a pickling and a first cold-rolling process to achieve an intermediate thickness of 1.5 mm. Then, the coil was subjected to intermediate annealing at 1150°C for one minute, followed by a pickling. The coil was then divided into two sections.

The formed coils were subjected to a second cold rolling process so that each of the coils had a final thickness of 0.22 mm. At the point in the second cold-rolling process where the coil thickness was 0.75 mm, the coils were subjected to an aging heat treatment at 200°C for one hour. The heat treatment for aging was performed such that the concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere in the heating BOX furnace for one coil was lowered to between 0.01 wt % and 0.5 wt % by injecting Ar. Conversely, the other coil was inserted into a BOX furnace having an ambient atmosphere, as is done in conventional techniques.

Thereafter, both of the coils were degreased and subjected to decarburizing annealing at 850°C for 2 minutes in an atmosphere of 60 vol % H2 with the balance substantially consisting of N2, the dew point of the atmosphere being 55°C Then, MgO containing TiO2 by 8 wt % and SrSO4 by 3 wt % was, as an annealing separator, applied to the coils, and thereafter the coils were wound into coil form. Then, the formed coils were subjected to a final annealing process.

The final annealing process was performed such that the temperature of each coil was maintained at 840°C for 40 hours in an atmosphere of N2, and then the temperature was raised to 1200°C at a rate of 15°C/hour in an atmosphere consisting of 25 vol % N2 and 75 vol % of H2. Then, the temperature was maintained at 1200° C. for 5 hours in an atmosphere of H2.

After the final annealing process had been completed, non-reacted portions of the separator were removed from the two coils, and tension coating liquid containing magnesium phosphate and colloidal silica was applied. Then, a flattening annealing process, which also baked the coated material, was performed at 800°C for one minute.

Results of the magnetic characteristic evaluations of the leading portion, the central portion and the tailing end of each coil are shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2
______________________________________
EXAMPLE OF COMPARATIVE
THIS INVENTION EXAMPLE
CONCENTRATION OF OXYGEN
IN THE ATMOSPHERE FOR
HEAT TREATMENT FOR AGING
0.01-0.5 vol % 21 vol %
MAGNETIC CHARACTERISTICS
POSITION IN Bg W17/50
Bg W17/50
THE COIL (T) (W/kg) (T) (W/kg)
______________________________________
LEADING END 1.938 0.803 1.932 0.825
CENTRAL 1.942 0.795 1.840 1.124
PORTION
TAILING END 1.940 0.801 1.919 0.843
______________________________________

As is shown in Table 2, the conventional coil exhibited deterioration in the magnetic characteristics in the central portion thereof, whereas no such deterioration occurred in the coil according to the present invention.

A steel slab, containing C by 0.075 wt %, Si by 3.26 wt %, Mn by 0.08 wt %, S by 0.016 wt %, Al by 0.022 wt %, and N by 0.008 wt %, with the balance substantially consisting of Fe, was heated to 1380°C, followed by a hot rolling to produce a hot-rolled steel sheet having a thickness of 2.2 mm. Then, the steel sheet was subjected to an annealing process at 1150°C for 50 seconds, followed by a pickling. The coil was then divided into two sections, and the two coils were rolled by tandem rolling mill to a final thickness of 0.35 mm. Prior to the tandem rolling, the two coils were heated to 250°C, and the quantity of the coolant was adjusted so as to raise the temperature of the steel sheet during the tandem rolling from 150°C to 200°C

One of the coils was subjected to a heat effect treatment wherein the coil was heated before tandem rolling. At this time, N2 was injected into the BOX furnace so that the concentration of oxygen ranged between 0.05 vol % and 0.6 vol %. The other coil was also subjected to a heat effect treatment wherein the coil was heated before tandem rolling, but the heating was performed in a BOX furnace having an ambient atmosphere in accordance with conventional techniques.

Then, both of the coils were degreased and subjected to decarburizing annealing at 840°C for 2 minutes in a atmosphere of 50 vol % H2 with the balance substantially consisting of N2, the dew point of the atmosphere being 50°C; Then, MgO containing TiO2 by 10 wt % and Sr(OH)2 •8H2 O by 3 wt % was, as an annealing separator, applied to the coils, followed by winding the coils into coil form. Then, the formed coils were subjected to a final annealing process.

The final annealing process was performed such that the temperature was raised to 850°C at a rate of 20°C/hour in an atmosphere of N2. Then, the temperature was raised to 1200°C at a rate of 15°C/hour in an atmosphere consisting of 25 vol % N2 and 75 vol % H2, followed by maintaining the coils at 1200°C for 5 hours in an atmosphere of H2.

After the final annealing process had been completed, non-reacted portions of the separator were removed from the two coils, and tension coating liquid containing aluminum phosphate and colloidal silica was applied. Then, a flattening annealing process, which also baked the coated material, was performed at 800°C for one hour.

Results of the magnetic characteristic evaluations of the leading portion, the central portion and the tailing end of each coil are shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3
______________________________________
EXAMPLE OF COMPARATIVE
THIS INVENTION EXAMPLE
CONCENTRATION OF OXYGEN
IN THE ATMOSPHERE FOR
HEAT TREATMENT FOR AGING
0.05-0.6 vol % 21 vol %
MAGNETIC CHARACTERISTICS
POSITION IN Bg W17/50
Bg W17/50
THE COIL (T) (W/kg) (T) (W/kg)
______________________________________
LEADING END 1.935 1.123 1.930 1.153
CENTRAL 1.938 1.105 1.893 1.287
PORTION
TAILING END 1.933 1.117 1.931 1.146
______________________________________

As shown in Table 3, the conventional coil exhibited magnetic characteristic deterioration in the central portion thereof, whereas no such deterioration occurred in the coil produced according to the present invention.

Steel slabs having the variety of compositions shown in Table 4 were heated to 1410°C, and then hot rolled to produce a hot-rolled steel sheet having a thickness of 2.0 mm. Then, the steel sheet was pickled, and the surface scales were removed, followed by a first cold rolling to produce a steel sheet having an intermediate thickness of 1.50 mm. Then, the steel sheet was subjected to an intermediate annealing process at 1100°C for 50 seconds, and then water mist was used to rapidly cool the steel sheet to 350°C at a cooling rate of 40° C./second. The temperature of the steel sheet was maintained at 350°C for 20 seconds, the temperature thereafter being lowered with water. Then, the surface of the steel sheet was ground so that a portion of the surface scales was removed, with the sheet then being cold rolled by a Sendzimir mill with six passes to produce a final thickness of 0.22 mm.

At this time, a warm rolling process was performed in which the quantity of rolling oil was limited so as to raise the temperature of the steel sheet from 150°C to 180°C after the second pass.

After the cold rolling had been performed, the steel was subjected to a process for maintaining the temperature at which the coil was wound. To achieve this, the apparatus for winding the coil was surrounded by a box-type structure, and Ar gas was injected so as to limit the concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere to between 1% and 3 %.

Then, the coil was degreased and subjected to decarburizing annealing at 850°C for 2 minutes in a atmosphere of 60 vol % H2 with the balance substantially consisting of N2, the dew point of the atmosphere being 45°C Then, MgO containing TiO2 by 5 wt % and Sr(OH)2 •8H2 O by 3 wt % was, as an annealing separator, applied to the coil. The coil was then wound into coil form and subjected to a final annealing process.

The final annealing process involved maintaining the temperature at 850°C for 20 hours, and then raising the temperature to 1200°C at a rate of 15°C/hour in an atmosphere consisting of 25 vol % N2 and 75 vol % H2, followed by maintaining the coil at 1200°C for 5 hours in an atmosphere of H2.

After the final annealing process had been completed, non-reacted portions of the separator were removed from the coil, and tension coating liquid containing magnesium phosphate and colloidal silica was applied. Then, a flattening annealing process, which also baked the coated material, was performed at 800°C for one hour.

Results of the magnetic characteristic evaluations at the leading portion, the central portion and the tailing end of each coil are shown in Table 5.

TABLE 4
__________________________________________________________________________
Unit of *: ppm
STEEL
COMPOSITION OF ELEMENTS (wt %)
No. C Si Mn P S Al Se Cu Ni Cr Sn Mo Sb Bi Te B*
N*
__________________________________________________________________________
A 0.07
3.34
0.075
0.008
0.016
0.026
tr 0.01
0.01
0.01
0.02
tr tr tr tr 3 82
B 0.08
3.30
0.073
0.005
0.003
0.025
0.018
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
tr tr tr tr 3 78
C 0.06
3.36
0.072
0.007
0.015
0.025
tr 0.01
0.02
0.01
0.01
tr 0.025
tr tr 3 69
D 0.07
3.38
0.075
0.012
0.004
0.027
0.020
0.02
0.01
0.02
0.01
tr 0.022
tr tr 4 73
E 0.07
3.30
0.073
0.006
0.003
0.026
0.020
0.01
0.05
0.01
0.02
tr 0.025
tr tr 2 78
F 0.08
3.32
0.074
0.008
0.016
0.027
tr 0.08
0.01
0.01
0.02
tr 0.025
tr tr 3 79
G 0.06
3.30
0.076
0.015
0.018
0.026
tr 0.02
0.08
0.01
0.15
tr 0.020
tr tr 3 85
H 0.07
3.35
0.068
0.008
0.018
0.026
tr 0.01
0.02
0.01
0.02
tr 0.018
0.008
tr 4 83
I 0.08
3.30
0.080
0.003
0.004
0.027
0.016
0.02
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.12
0.025
0.005
tr 4 88
J 0.08
3.38
0.088
0.009
0.005
0.024
0.018
0.01
0.01
0.02
0.02
0.08
0.022
tr 0.005
4 82
K 0.07
3.39
0.075
0.012
0.003
0.023
0.020
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.02
tr tr tr tr 12
65
L 0.08
3.35
0.073
0.008
0.004
0.026
0.021
0.01
0.02
0.10
0.02
tr tr 0.012
tr 3 75
M 0.07
3.30
0.075
0.058
0.004
0.025
0.021
0.01
0.02
0.01
0.10
tr tr tr tr 4 79
N 0.07
3.34
0.077
0.058
0.004
0.025
0.020
0.01
0.01
0.02
0.01
tr 0.025
0.015
tr 4 83
O 0.07
3.36
0.069
0.008
0.004
0.027
0.021
0.07
0.01
0.02
0.02
tr 0.025
tr tr 3 80
P 0.07
3.38
0.076
0.005
0.001
0.028
0.018
0.08
0.01
0.02
0.01
tr 0.025
tr tr 4 75
__________________________________________________________________________
TABLE 5
______________________________________
POSITION IN THE COIL
LEADING END CENTRAL PORTION
TAILING END
Bg W17/50
Bg W17/50
Bg W17/50
STEEL No.
(T) (W/kg) (T) (W/kg) (T) (W/kg)
______________________________________
A 1.926 0.846 1.923 0.848 1.925
0.849
B 1.924 0.839 1.922 0.845 1.924
0.846
C 1.938 0.790 1.936 0.810 1.938
0.803
D 1.936 0.793 1.937 0.798 1.937
0.806
E 1.935 0.801 1.936 0.803 1.934
0.806
F 1.937 0.798 1.938 0.798 1.937
0.797
G 1.938 0.802 1.936 0.803 1.937
0.804
H 1.937 0.797 1.935 0.795 1.936
0.796
I 1.939 0.797 1.938 0.796 1.936
0.798
J 1.936 0.800 1.935 0.802 1.934
0.803
K 1.924 0.829 1.925 0.843 1.927
0.844
L 1.926 0.817 1.927 0.821 1.925
0.826
M 1.923 0.823 1.924 0.826 1.926
0.820
N 1.937 0.804 1.936 0.802 1.934
0.803
O 1.938 0.800 1.935 0.792 1.937
0.798
P 1.936 0.795 1.937 0.792 1.939
0.792
______________________________________

A steel slab having composition D shown in Table 4 was heated to 1400°C, then hot rolled to produce a hot-rolled steel sheet having a thickness of 1.8 mm. Then, the steel sheet was subjected to an annealing process at 1000°C for one minute, followed by a pickling. The steel sheet was then rolled by tandem rolling mill to a thickness of 1.3 mm, after which the sheet was divided into coils R and S.

Coil R was treated in accordance with the present invention, while coil S was, as a comparative example, treated according to conventional processes.

Coil R was heated to 200°C in a furnace, into which an atmosphere of N2 had been introduced, and then warm-rolled at temperature of 180°C Coil S was heated to 200°C in a furnace having an ambient atmosphere, followed by rolling at a temperature of 180°C Then, the two coils were intermediate-annealed at 1100°C for one minute, after which the temperature was rapidly lowered to 350°C at a rate of 40°C/second. The coils were then gradually cooled at a rate of 1.0°C/second, and thereafter cooled with water. Then, a portion of the surface scales were removed, and the coils were cold rolled by a Sendzimir mill with 5 passes so that the coils had a final thickness of 0.18 mm. At this time, the quantity of the rolling oil was limited so as to raise the temperature of the steel after the second stand from 150°C to 180°C Then, the coils were wound such that the apparatus for winding coil R was surrounded by a box-type structure, and N2 gas was injected to limit the concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere from 0.5 vol % to 2 vol %, all while maintaining a constant coiling temperature.

As for the coil S, the coil winding apparatus was surrounded by a box-type structure, but an ambient atmosphere was maintained.

Then, the coil was degreased and subjected to a decarburizing annealing process at 850°C for 2 minutes in an atmosphere consisting of 50 vol % H2 with the balance substantially consisting of N2, the dew point of the atmosphere being 50°C Then, MgO containing TiO2 by 5 wt % and SrSO4 by 3 wt % was, as an annealing separator, applied, after which the coils were formed and subjected to a final annealing process.

The final annealing process was performed such that the temperature was maintained at 840°C for 25 hours, and then raised to 1200° C. at a rate of 15°C/hour in an atmosphere consisting of 25 vol % N2 and 75 vol % H2, followed by maintaining the coil at 1200°C for 5 hours in an atmosphere of H2.

After the final annealing process had been completed, non-reacted portions of the separator were removed from the two coils, and tension coating liquid containing magnesium phosphate and colloidal silica was applied. Then, a flattening annealing process, which also baked the coated material, was performed at 800°C for one hour.

Results of the magnetic characteristic evaluations of the leading portion, the central portion and the tailing end of each coil are shown in Table 6.

TABLE 6
______________________________________
LEADING CENTRAL
END PORTION TAILING END
Bg
W17/50
Bg
W17/50
Bg
W17/50
COILS (T) (W/kg) (T) (W/kg) (T) (W/kg)
______________________________________
EXAMPLE 1.922 0.738 1.924
0.722 1.923
0.735
(COIL R)
COMPARATIVE
1.916 0.765 1.846
0.985 1.918
0.773
EXAMPLE
(COIL S)
______________________________________

As shown in Table 6, the coil according to the present invention was free from magnetic characteristic deterioration in the central portion of the coil. However, the coil produced as a Comparative example exhibited magnetic characteristic deterioration in the central portion thereof.

A grain-oriented silicon steel sheet slab, consisting of C by 0.075 wt %, Si by 3.35 wt %, Mn by 0.07 wt %, S by 0.003 wt %, P by 0.003 wt %, Al by 0.025 wt %, Se by 0.020 wt %, Sb by 0.025 wt % and N by 0.008 wt % and the balance substantially consisting of Fe, was heated to 1410°C, then hot rolled to produce a hot-rolled steel sheet having a thickness of 2.2 mm. The hot-rolled coil was annealed in an atmosphere in which town gas was burnt at 1150°C for 40 seconds, and then mist water was sprayed to rapidly cool the coil to 70°C at a cooling rate of 30°C/second. Then, the coil was pickled in a water solution of HCl.

Then, the coil was divided into coils a, b, c, d and e, each coil being rolled with six passes by a Sendzimir mill. The rolls of the mill were 80 mm in diameter, and had a temperature of 100°C to 230°C The coils had a final thickness of 0.26 mm.

Divided coil a was wound at the following temperatures: 80°C for the first pass, 124°C for the second pass, 179°C for the third pass, 216°C for the fourth pass, 220°C for the fifth pass, and116°C for the sixth pass. Immediately before winding at the second, third and fourth passes. N2 gas was sprayed across the upper and lower surfaces of the steel sheet to remove liquid on the surfaces of the steel sheet by a gas-knife effect.

Divided coil b was wound at the following temperatures: 83°C for the first pass, 120°C for the second pass, 193°C for the third pass, 212°C for the fourth pass, 218°C for the fifth pass, and 107°C for the sixth pass. Immediately before winding at the fourth, fifth and sixth passes, N2 gas was sprayed on the upper and lower surfaces of the steel sheet to remove liquid on the surfaces of the steel sheet by a gas-knife effect.

Divided coil c was wound at the following temperatures: 73°C for the first pass, 122°C for the second pass, 188°C for the third pass, 216°C for the fourth pass, 212°C for the fifth pass, and 113°C for the sixth pass. Immediately before winding at the fifth and sixth passes, suction rolls were used to remove liquid on the surfaces of the steel sheet.

Divided coil d was wound at the following temperatures: 84°C for the first pass, 136°C for the second pass, 192°C for the third pass, 209°C for the fourth pass, 216°C for the fifth pass, and 121°C for the sixth pass. Immediately before winding at the sixth pass, suction rolls were used to remove liquid on the surface of the steel sheet.

Divided coils a, b, c and d are examples of the present invention.

Divided coil e was wound at the following temperatures: 86°C for the first pass, 125°C for the second pass, 185°C for the third pass, 224°C for the fourth pass, 208°C for the fifth pass, and 122°C for the sixth pass. No measures for removing liquid from the surfaces of the steel sheet were undertaken.

Divided coils a, b, c, d and e were all degreased after being rolled, and subjected to a decarburizing annealing process at 840°C for 2 minutes in an atmosphere of 50 vol % H2 with the balance substantially consisting of N2, the dew-point of the atmosphere being 48°C Then, MgO containing TiO2 by 8 wt % was, as an annealing separator, applied, after which the coils were formed and subjected to a final annealing process.

The final annealing process was performed such that the coils were maintained at 850°C for 15 hours in an atmosphere of N2, and thereafter the temperature was raised to 1200°C at a temperature rising rate of 15°C/hour in an atmosphere consisting of 15 vol % N2 and 85 vol % H2. Then, the temperature was maintained at 1200°C for 5 hours in an atmosphere of H2, after which the temperature was lowered.

Non-reacted portions of the separator were removed, and a tension coating material was applied. The steel was then subjected to a flattening process at 800°C for one minute.

Results of the magnetic characteristic evaluations of the leading portion, the central portion and the tailing end of each coil are shown in Table 7 and FIG. 4.

As shown in Table 7, the conventional example (coil e) exhibited magnetic characteristic deterioration in the central portion thereof, whereas the coil according to the present invention was free from any such deterioration.

As can be understood from FIG. 4, an excellent effect was obtained even if the liquid removal process was performed only on one pass.

TABLE 7
__________________________________________________________________________
MAGNETIC
NUMBER OF PASSES CHARACTERISTICS
SUBJECTED LIQUID
POSITION IN THE
Bg W17/50
SAMPLE
REMOVAL PROCESS
COIL (T) (W/kg)
REMARKS
__________________________________________________________________________
a 4 Leading end
1.943
0.908
Example of this
Central portion
1.942
0.910
invention
Tailing end
1.944
0.896
b 3 Leading end
1.943
0.905
Example of this
Central portion
1.940
0.911
invention
Tailing end
1.944
0.898
c 2 Leading end
1.943
0.901
Example of this
Central portion
1.934
0.928
invention
Tailing end
1.940
0.912
d 1 Leading end
1.940
0.912
Example of this
Central protion
1.918
1.007
invention
Tailing end
1.938
0.915
e 0 Leading end
1.914
1.014
Comparative example
Central portion
1.852
1.235
Tailing end
1.920
0.988
__________________________________________________________________________

Four steel slabs respectively having the compositions A to D shown in Table 4 were heated to 1420°C, then hot rolled to produce hot-rolled steel sheets each having a thickness of 2.0 mm. The steel sheets were pickled, surface scales removed, and then a first cold rolling process were performed so that each of the steel sheets had an intermediate thickness of 1.50 mm. Thereafter, an intermediate annealing process was performed at 1100°C for 50 seconds, and mist water was applied, thus lowering the steel temperature to 350°C at a rate of 40°C/second. Then, the temperature was maintained at 350° C. for 20 seconds, after which the steel sheets were cooled by immersing them in 90°C hot water. The steel sheets were then immediately pickled with an acid in a 80°C-water-solution of 15 wt % HCl so that a major portion of the scales were removed.

Then, the steel sheets were rolled with six passes by a Sendzimir mill so that each of the steel sheets had a final thickness of 0.22 mm. At this time, the quantity of the rolling oil was limited so as to raise the temperature of the steel after the second pass from 150°C to 230°C

Each of the coils was divided into two sections, one of the coils of each pair being rolled using conventional rolling oil. On the other hand, the other coil of each pair was rolled using rolling oil to which was added an ester of succinic acid by 2 wt % as an oxidation inhibitor for the steel sheet.

Each coil was then degreased and subjected to a decarburizing annealing process at 850°C for two minutes in an atmosphere consisting of 60 vol % H2 with the balance substantially consisting of N2, the dew-point of the atmosphere being 45°C Then, MgO containing TiO2 by 5 wt % and Sr(OH)2 •SH2 O by 3 wt % was applied as an annealing separator, and then coils were formed and subjected to a final annealing process.

The final annealing process was performed such that the coils were maintained at 850°C for 20 hours, then the temperature was raised to 1200°C at a rate of 15°C/hour in an atmosphere consisting of 25 vol % N2 and 75 vol % Then, the temperature was maintained at 1200°C for 5 hours in an atmosphere of H2.

After the final annealing process was completed, non-reacted portions of the separator were removed, and tension coating liquid containing magnesium phosphate and colloidal silica was applied. The coils were then subjected to a flattening annealing process, which also baked the coating liquid, at 800°C for one hour.

Results of the magnetic characteristic evaluations of the leading portion, the central portion and the tailing end of each coil are shown in Table 8.

As is shown in Table 8, the comparative examples exhibited magnetic characteristic deterioration in the central portion of the coils. Conversely, the examples of the present invention showed no such deterioration.

TABLE 8
__________________________________________________________________________
MAGNETIC
ADDITION OF CHARACTERISTICS
OXIDATION
POSITION IN
Bg W17/50
SAMPLE
INHIBITOR
THE COIL
(T) (W/kg)
REMARKS
__________________________________________________________________________
A Not added
Leading end
1.918
0.903
Comparative example
Central portion
1.867
0.978
Comparative example
Tailing end
1.917
0.905
Comparative example
Added Leading end
1.925
0.847
Example of this invention
Central portion
1.923
0.850
Example of this invention
Tailing end
1.924
0.848
Example of this invention
B Not added
Leading end
1.914
0.924
Comparative example
Central portion
1.856
0.983
Comparative example
Tailing end
1.912
0.918
Comparative example
Added Leading end
1.925
0.845
Example of this invention
Central portion
1.922
0.856
Example of this invention
Tailing end
1.923
0.843
Example of this invention
C Not added
Leading end
1.923
0.857
Comparative example
Central portion
1.884
0.948
Comparative example
Tailing end
1.924
0.852
Comparative example
Added Leading end
1.939
0.792
Example of this invention
Central portion
1.937
0.808
Example of this invention
Tailing end
1.938
0.802
Example of this invention
D Not added
Leading end
1.923
0.858
Comparative example
Central portion
1.887
0.944
Comparative example
Tailing end
1.922
0.856
Comparative example
Added Leading end
1.938
0.797
Example of this invention
Central portion
1.937
0.811
Example of this invention
Tailing end
1.938
0.798
Example of this invention
__________________________________________________________________________

Steel slabs respectively having composition E to J shown in Table 4 were heated to 1390°C, followed by hot rolling to produce hot-rolled steel sheets each having a thickness of 2.0 ram. Then, an annealing process was performed at 1180°C for 30 seconds, after which the steel sheets were rapidly cooled with mist water to room temperature at a rate of 40°C/second. Then, the steel sheets were pickled to remove a major portion of the scales.

The foregoing coils were rolled with six passes by a Sendzimir mill to a final thickness of 0.35 mm. Heat generated due to the rolling operation was used to perform a warm rolling at 150°C to 230°C in the second and ensuing passes.

A fatty acid of tallow was, by 0.5 wt %, added to the rolling oil and the roll coolant oil to act as an oxidation inhibitor for the steel sheet.

During the winding by the Sendzimir mill, the coil winding apparatus was surrounded by a box-type structure into which N2 gas was injected so that the concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere was limited to 0.1 vol % to 1 vol %.

Each coil was then degreased and subjected to a decarburizing annealing process at 850°C for two minutes in an atmosphere consisting of 50 vol % H2 with the balance substantially consisting of N2, the dew-point of the atmosphere being 55°C Then, MgO containing TiO2 by 8 wt % was applied as an annealing separator, followed by winding the coils and subjecting them to a final annealing process.

The final annealing process was performed such that the coils were heated to 850°C at a rate of 30°C/hour in an atmosphere of N2, after which the temperature was raised to 1200°C at a rate of 15°C/hour in an atmosphere consisting of 25 vol % N2 and 75 vol % H2. The temperature was then maintained at 1200° C. for 5 hours in an atmosphere of H2.

After the final annealing process had been completed, non-reacted portions of the separator were removed, and tension coating liquid containing magnesium phosphate and colloidal silica was applied. A flattening annealing process, which also baked the coating liquid, was performed at 800°C for one minute.

Results of the magnetic characteristic evaluations at the leading portion, the central portion and the tailing end of each coil are shown in Table 9.

As is shown in Table 9, the magnetic characteristics of all samples were not deteriorated at the central portion of each coil.

TABLE 9
______________________________________
POSITION IN THE COIL
CENTRAL
LEADING END PORTION TAILING END
Bg W17/50
Bg W17/50
Bg W17/50
STEEL No.
(T) (W/kg) (T) (W/kg) (T) (W/kg)
______________________________________
E 1.938 1.041 1.939 1.044 1.940
1.032
F 1.935 1.073 1.935 1.098 1.936
1.084
G 1.937 1.055 1.937 1.060 1.938
1.060
H 1.936 1.083 1.936 1.084 1.937
1.063
I 1.940 1.035 1.939 1.043 1.941
1.035
J 1.941 1.042 1.940 1.037 1.942
1.038
______________________________________

Six steel slabs respectively having compositions K to P shown in Table 4 were heated to 1390°C, followed by hot rolling to produce hot-rolled steel sheets each having a thickness of 1.8 mm. Then, the steel sheets were subjected to an annealing process at 1000°C for one minute, followed by a pickling. The steel sheets were then wound by a tandem rolling mill having four stands so that each steel sheet had a thickness of 0.90 mm. At this time, the quantity of the coolant oil was limited so as to gradually raise the temperatures of the steel sheets at the outlet of the roll bite to 80°C, 110°C, 150° C. and 210°C, respectively. Furthermore, N2 gas was sprayed at the roll bite outlet of the final stand so that liquid on the upper and lower surfaces of each steel sheet was removed.

The temperature of each of the coils was maintained at 200°C for one hour in a box-type furnace in a atmosphere of N2, and then the same tandem mill was used so that each coil had a final thickness of 0.29 mm. At this time, the quantity of the strip coolant oil was again limited to gradually raise the temperatures of the steel sheets at the outlet of the roll bite to 120°C, 170°C, 210°C and 220°C, respectively. Then, N2 gas was sprayed at the roll bite outlet of the final stand so that liquid on the upper and lower surfaces of the steel sheets was removed.

After the cold rolling process had been completed, each coil was degreased and subjected a decarburizing annealing process at 850°C for 2 minutes in a furnace, the atmosphere of which consisted of 50 vol % H2 with the balance substantially consisting of N2, the dew point of which was 55°C Then, MgO, containing TiO2 by 8 wt % and Sr(OH)2 •8H2 O by 3 wt %, was applied as an annealing separator, followed by winding the coils. Then, the coils were subjected to a final annealing process.

The final annealing process was performed such that the coils were heated to 850°C at a rate of 30°C/hour in an atmosphere of N2, and then the temperature was raised to 1200°C at a rate of 15°C/hour in an atmosphere consisting of 25 vol % N2 and 75 vol % H2. Then, the temperature was maintained at 1200°C for 5 hours in an atmosphere of H2.

After the final annealing process had been completed, non-reacted portions of the separator were removed, and tension coating liquid containing aluminum phosphate and colloidal silica was applied. The coils were then subjected to a flattening annealing process at 800°C for one minute, which also baked the coating liquid.

Results of the magnetic characteristic evaluations of the leading portion, the central portion and the tailing end of each coil are shown in Table 10.

As is shown in Table 10, the magnetic characteristics of all samples were not deteriorated at the central portion of each coil.

TABLE 10
______________________________________
POSITION IN THE COIL
CENTRAL
LEADING END PORTION TAILING END
Bg W17/50
Bg W17/50
Bg W17/50
STEEL No.
(T) (W/kg) (T) (W/kg) (T) (W/kg)
______________________________________
K 1.942 0.947 1.942 0.948 1.943
0.945
L 1.932 0.972 1.932 0.974 1.931
0.975
M 1.930 0.980 1.929 0.980 1.931
0.976
N 1.952 0.941 1.951 0.940 1.953
0.940
O 1.941 0.952 1.940 0.959 1.940
0.963
P 1.942 0.948 1.941 0.948 1.941
0.956
______________________________________

According to the present invention, when a grain-oriented silicon steel sheet containing Al is manufactured in such a manner that a heat effect treatment is performed in a cold rolling process, deterioration in the magnetic characteristics occurring at the central portion of the coil can effectively be prevented. Thus, a grain-oriented silicon steel sheet having excellent magnetic characteristics for the overall length of the coil can be obtained.

Although this invention has been described in connection with specific forms thereof, equivalent steps may be substituted, the sequence of the steps may be varied, and certain steps may be used independently of others. Further, various other control steps may be included, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

Kawano, Masaki, Tamura, Kazuaki, Komatsubara, Michiro, Hisata, Masako

Patent Priority Assignee Title
6364963, Mar 26 1997 Kawasaki Steel Corporation Grain oriented electrical steel sheet having very low iron loss and production process for same
6558479, May 12 2000 Nippon Steel Corporation Low iron loss and low noise grain-oriented electrical steel sheet and a method for producing the same
6918966, May 12 2000 Nippon Steel Corporation Low iron loss and low noise grain-oriented electrical steel sheet and a method for producing the same
Patent Priority Assignee Title
4421574, Sep 08 1981 Inland Steel Company Method for suppressing internal oxidation in steel with antimony addition
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