This book systematically describes and discusses the influences of alloying elements and atmospheres on the oxidation behaviors of hot-rolled steels. The findings can aid in designing new compositions to improve oxide scale adhesion to steel substrates. The effects of rolling temperatures and deformation reductions on oxide scale integrity are also studied in detail. The book describes technologies for producing pickling-free and easy-pickling steels. The author develops and fine-tunes a numerical simulation for anisothermal oxidation behaviors using classical theories on oxidation kinetics and industrial data. This can accurately predict the evolution of scale thickness during hot rolling and the phase transformation of oxide scale during cooling. Finally, the book discusses processing windows for scale control to comprehensively improve surface quality of plates, hot coils, and wires. This book is suitable for personnel engaged in steel research and development and as a reference for post-graduates in related fields.

Zhenyu Liu, Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at Northeastern University, Principal Investigator of the National Key Research and Development Program during the13th Five-Year Plan period, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Academy of Engineering’s Marine Materials Consortium, and recipient of the State Council Special Allowance.

He has long been engaged in research on advanced rolling process technologies and the development of novel high-performance steel materials. He pioneered a new-generation Thermomechanical Controlled Processing (TMCP) technology anchored on ultra-fast cooling, enabling large-scale upgrading of structural steels. His breakthrough development of high-quality low-temperature steels successfully terminated longstanding foreign technological domination in this domain. He established the theoretical framework for dynamic oxidation during hot rolling and developed corresponding process control methodologies, with the resulting series of high-surface-quality steels formally designated as preferred supply materials by multiple foreign-funded enterprises. Furthermore, he proposed the integrated machine learning theory of “microstructure-interface-rolling force energy”," leading the digital transformation of steel manufacturing. 

To date, he has published over 400 papers, including approximately 350 SCI-indexed articles, holds more than 60 authorised invention patents, has published 5 academic monographs, and has been awarded 2 National Science and Technology Progress Awards (Second Prize) as well as 11 provincial / ministerial-level First Prizes.

Guangming Cao, Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at Northeastern University, National-Level Young Talent and Young Top-notch Talent under the “Xingliao Talents Program” of Liaoning Province.

Primarily engaged in research on the theory and process control methods of high-temperature oxidation in hot-rolled steels, he has led or been a key participant in over 20 scientific research projects, including sub-projects of the National Key R&D Program, grants from the National Natural Science Foundation, international collaborative programs, and industry-driven R&D initiatives. His research outcomes have been implemented by more than 20 companies worldwide.

To date, he has published over 120 papers, authored 3 academic monographs, and holds more than 50 authorised invention patents, 3 international patents, and over 20 software copyrights. He has received 9 provincial/ministerial-level science and technology awards (including three First Prizes), and as the second-ranked contributor, he was awarded the 2020 National Science and Technology Progress Award (Second Prize). He has also been awarded the “Young Scientist Award in Metallurgy of the Chinese Society for Metals”, which recognises outstanding young talent in the metallurgical industry.