In a significant stride towards bolstering the domestic wind power industry, researchers have developed a high-strength, low-cost steel grade tailored for fasteners, enhancing the competitiveness of the industrial chain. The study, published in the Chinese journal “Iron and Steel” (translated from ‘Teshugang’), details the creation of a 10.9-grade 32CrB4 quenched and tempered round steel, designed to meet the urgent need for robust and economical materials in the energy sector.
Lead author Peng Feng and his team focused on optimizing the smelting process to ensure minimal impurities, with phosphorus and sulfur levels tightly controlled. The steel underwent a two-stage low-temperature rolling process, with single pass reduction rates meticulously managed between 8% and 12%. This careful control of the manufacturing process resulted in a steel that boasts impressive tensile strength and excellent low-temperature impact properties.
“The developed steel exhibits a room temperature tensile strength of up to 1,075 MPa and an average low-temperature impact value of 53 J at -40°C,” Peng Feng explained. “This makes it particularly suitable for applications in harsh environments, such as those encountered in wind power generation.”
The optimal heat treatment process for this steel was determined to be soaking at 820°C followed by water quenching, and then tempering at 510°C. The resulting microstructure is primarily tempered martensite, providing the steel with excellent and uniform mechanical properties.
The implications of this research are substantial for the energy sector, particularly for wind power. High-strength, low-temperature resistant fasteners are crucial for the construction and maintenance of wind turbines, especially in regions with extreme weather conditions. The development of this 32CrB4 steel grade not only enhances the performance and reliability of wind turbines but also contributes to the overall competitiveness of the domestic wind power industry.
As the world increasingly turns to renewable energy sources, the demand for durable and efficient materials like this new steel grade is expected to grow. This research paves the way for future developments in the field, potentially leading to more innovative and cost-effective solutions for the energy sector.
“The success of this project highlights the importance of advanced materials research in driving industrial progress,” Peng Feng noted. “We believe that this steel will play a pivotal role in the future of wind power and other energy applications.”
With the publication of this study, the stage is set for further advancements in steel technology, promising a brighter and more sustainable future for the energy industry.