Department of Materials Science & Engineering

Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology

Experiment no.: 01
Experiment name: Annealing & Normalizing of Mild Steel Samples
Kashfi Uddin (1912019)

Objective:
The primary goal of this laboratory experiment is to comprehensively explore the microstructural
alterations and changes in hardness resulting from the application of annealing and normalizing
processes to mild steel samples.

Introduction:
Annealing and normalizing are heat treatment techniques widely used to enhance the properties of
metals. This experiment focuses on mild steel, a commonly used material in various industries, to
investigate the impact of these processes on grain structure and hardness.

Materials and Methods:

1. Sample Preparation:
Rectangular mild steel specimens were carefully prepared by hammering along one of the largest
surface areas of the steel.
2. Annealing Process:
The samples underwent annealing by being heated to 900°C in a controlled environment. This
temperature was maintained for 1 hour to facilitate optimal recrystallization before slow cooling in the
furnace.

3. Normalizing Process:
A separate set of samples was subjected to normalizing, involving heating to 900°C followed by air
cooling. This process aimed at achieving a more uniform grain structure.

4. Microstructural Analysis:
- Metallographic samples were meticulously prepared using standard procedures of grinding,
polishing, and etching.
- The microstructures were examined using a metallographic microscope, capturing images for
further analysis.

(a) (b) (c)

Fig1.1: Microstructure of the sample (Group 4) (a) Before annealing, (b) after annealing, (c) after
normalizing.

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5. Hardness Testing:
Rockwell hardness testing was conducted on both annealed and normalized samples. Multiple
readings were obtained to ensure precision and reliability.

(a) (b)
Fig 1.2: Rockwell hardness measurement data of (a)annealing and (b) normalizing sample.
Results:
Microstructural Analysis:
• Annealed samples exhibited a refined grain structure with distinct signs of recrystallization.
(Fig 1.1a)
• Normalized samples displayed a more uniform grain size and distribution compared to the
annealed counterparts. (Fig 1.1b)

Hardness Testing:
• The Rockwell hardness of the annealed samples was measured at 40.9 HRB. (Fig 1.2a)
• Normalized samples demonstrated a hardness of 49.1 HRB. (Fig 1.2b)

Estimation of Grain Size:

The average grain size for the annealed sample was found to be 0.122 mm (Fig 1.3a), while for the
normalized sample it was 0.064 mm (Fig 1.3b).

(a) (b)
Fig 1.3: Mean Grain diameter analysis of (a) annealed and (b) normalized sample

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The average grain size for the before annealed sample was found to be 0.058 mm (Fig 1.4).

Fig1.4: Mean Grain diameter analysis of before annealed sample Fig 1.5: ASTM number chart

Calculation of ASTM Grain Size Number:

Based on the calculated average grain sizes, the ASTM Grain Size Numbers were determined for both
annealed and normalized samples are respectively 3 and 5 (Fig 1.5).
The ASTM Grain Size Number for before annealed sample has found 5.

Identification of Phases:
Microstructure image analysis indicated the presence of Ferrite and Pearlite in both annealed and
normalized samples, with varying relative amounts.

(a) (b)
Fig 1.6: Phase percentage analysis of (a) annealed and (b) normalized sample

The red marked zone indicates the ferrite phase and remainings are pearlite.
Phase Annealed sample (Fig 1.6a) Normalized sample (Fig 1.6b)
Ferrite 75% 67%
Pearlite 25% 33%

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Determination of Sample Composition:
The approximate composition of the provided sample, with notable percentages of iron and carbon,
can be determined by assuming the carbon content in both ferrite and pearlite phases at hypoeutectoid
steel. The carbon weight percentage in both phases may 0.022% and 0.8% respectively. The iron
weight percentage in both phases may 99.8% and 99.78% respectively.

For annealed sample,

Composition At ferrite(wt%) At pearlite(wt%) Total(wt%)
Carbon (75*0.022)/100=0.0165% (25*0.8)/100=0.2% (0.0165+0.2)=0.2165%
Iron (75*99.8)/100=74.85% (25*99.78)/100=24.945% (74.85+24.945)=98.934%
Others - - (100-98.934-.2165)=0.85%

For normalized sample,

Composition At ferrite(wt%) At pearlite(wt%) Total(wt%)
Carbon (67*0.022)/100=0.0147% (33*0.8)/100=0.264% (0.0147+0.264)=0.2787%
Iron (67*99.8)/100=66.86% (33*99.78)/100=32.927% (66.86+32.927)=98.787%
Others - - (100-98.787-0.278)=0.934%

Strength Calculation of Annealed Sample:

The Hall-Petch equation:
σy=σ0+k⋅d−1/2
For mild steel, σ0 =70 MPa and k=0.74 MPa m1/2
Now, For Annealed sample, σy = 70+0.74(0.122) −1/2 =137 MPa
For Normalized sample, σy = 70+0.74(0.064) −1/2 =162.5 MPa
The yield strength of the annealed sample was calculated using the Hall-Petch equation, resulting in a
value of 137 MPa and 162.5 MPa respectively for annealed and normalized sample.

Fig 1.7: Tensile strength and Hardness relationship Chart

From the HRB value of the sample,we can assume the tensile strength of the sample. (Fig 1.7)
So, For Annealed sample, σuts = 270 MPa
For Normalized sample, σuts =285 MPa

Discussion:
The differences in grain size, ASTM Grain Size Numbers, and elemental composition provide insights
into the structural and compositional changes induced by annealing and normalizing. The calculated
yield strength reflects the influence of grain size on mechanical properties.

Sample No Tensile Strength(MPa) Hardness(HRB) Yield Strength(MPa)

1(Annealed) 270 40.9 137
2(Normalized) 285 49.1 162.5
From Fig 1.8,In terms of strength and hardness, the normalized sample has the higher value than the
annealed sample.

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 1 2 1 2
50 50

285 285
48 48
Tensile strength

280 280

Hardness
46 46

44 44
275 275

42 42
270 270

40 40
1 2 1 2

sample no. sample no.

1 2
165 165

160 160

155 155
Yeild strength

150 150
sample 1: Annealing
sample 2: Normalizing
145 145

140 140

135 135

1 2

sample no.

Fig 1.8: Comparison between Annealed and Normalized sample

Annealing involves heating the material to a high temperature and then slowly cooling it.
This process promotes the formation of coarse grains and may lead to the removal of internal
stresses. The microstructure typically consists of larger grains.Coarser grains generally result
in lower hardness and strength because there are fewer grain boundaries to hinder dislocation
movement.
Normalizing, on the other hand, involves heating the material to a temperature above the
transformation range and then air cooling. This process aims to produce a finer and more
uniform grain structure.The finer grain structure created by normalizing usually results in
higher hardness and strength. Finer grains mean more grain boundaries, which act as
obstacles to the movement of dislocations, enhancing the material's hardness and strength.

Conclusion:
This comprehensive experiment illustrates the profound impact of annealing and normalizing on the
microstructure and hardness of mild steel samples. Annealing promotes recrystallization, while
normalizing produces a more uniform grain structure, both influencing the material's mechanical
properties.

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