In the present study, the mechanical performances of plain carbon steel were
explored based on the grain growth behavior. In the first step, the samples were
normalized at different temperatures ranging from 900°C to 1100°C for 30, 60,
100, 150, and 200 min, respectively. In order to measure the grain size, the
planimetric technique of Jeffries was used based on the optical micrographs
taken for each sample. The mechanical properties of each grain such as hardness,
elongation, yield, and tensile strength were studied, depending on the
conventional methods. Experimental results showed that the increase in both
heating temperature and holding time enhances grain growth, while the growth
rate decreases with increasing time. The initial grain size and proportionality
constant were calculated at 950°C, where K = 2.26
μm2/min and D
0 = 25.09 μm. Moreover, a significant increase in strength and
hardness was observed with a decrease in grain size. Conversely, a decrease in
ductility was observed with grain size diminution.