| Abstract Scope |
Copper (Cu) accumulation in recycled steels is a critical issue for sustainable steel production. As Cu cannot be easily removed during conventional refining, its enrichment can lead to hot shortness, reduced toughness, and other quality concerns, limiting the recyclability of scrap. In this study, steels with different Cu contents were subjected to different heat treatment methods. The focus was placed on the effects of Cu on the microstructure, precipitates, and fracture toughness of steels processed by various heat treatments. The findings provide insights into Cu tolerance in steel recycling and suggest potential design and processing strategies to improve the quality of high-Cu steels. This work contributes to enhancing the use of scrap while supporting the development of low-emission, resource-efficient steelmaking processes. |