Comparative Evaluation of Mechanical, Chemical and Microstructural Properties of Thermo-Mechanically Treated Bars from Different Brands

Thermo-Mechanically Treated (TMT) Bars are essential materials in the construction industry, valued for their high strength, ductility, and cost-effectiveness. Their properties are influenced by chemical composition and manufacturing parameters. This study evaluates the quality of two Fe-500 grade TMT bars from TATA and SAIL, both with a nominal diameter of 16 mm. The evaluation includes physical, mechanical, and chemical tests, such as microstructure analysis, hardness testing, tensile testing, and corrosion behavior under various conditions. Metallographic and optical microscopy revealed distinct microstructures, with tempered martensite on the outer ring and ferrite-pearlite in the inner core. Hardness testing was conducted using a Vickers Hardness Tester, and corrosion tests were performed in a 0.9 M NaOH solution. Tensile tests were carried out at a strain rate of 10e-3. Based on the results from these electrochemical and mechanical tests, the sample with superior properties was selected. Major Findings: Sample A showed superior strength characteristics, while Sample B showed greater ductility. Sample B showed higher corrosion resistance than sample A. Finally, studying the overall results, Sample B is the recommended choice over Sample A for constructing electric furnace or other electrical equipment.