Variation of carbon concentration in proeutectoid ferrite during austenitization in hypoeutectoid steel
The variation of the C concentration in proeutectoid ferrite (α{sub PF}) during austenitization in hypoeutectoid steels was quantitatively investigated using the massive transformation start temperature (T{sub m}) of α{sub PF} to austenite (γ) measured by high-temperature confocal laser scanning microscopy and hardness of α{sub PF}. The C concentration in α{sub PF} at T{sub m} in hypoeutectoid steels increased with increasing total C concentration up to approximately 0.2 wt.% during heating. The hardness of α{sub PF} with isothermal holding time at 775 °C in S20C steel revealed C enrichment in α{sub PF} at the early stage of isothermal holding and its reduction with further holding. These results explain the redistribution of the C in α{sub PF} during austenitization as follows: free C atoms released from cementite during pearlite decomposition diffuse excessively into neighboring α{sub PF} as well as pearlitic ferrite. The supersaturated C concentration in α{sub PF} is reduced during the long-range diffusive transformation of α{sub PF} to γ. However, some of the excess C atoms still remain in α{sub PF} until α{sub PF} starts to massively transform to γ. - Highlights: • Massive transformation of αPF to γ in hypoeutectoid steels was observed using CLSM. • C content in αPF during austenitization was analyzed by measured Tm and hardness. • Tm decreases and C content in αPF at Tm increases with increasing total C. • C atoms released from θ during formation of P to γ diffuse excessively into αPF. • Supersaturated C content in αPF is reduced during transformation of αPF to γ.
- OSTI ID:
- 22403528
- Journal Information:
- Materials Characterization, Journal Name: Materials Characterization Vol. 94; ISSN 1044-5803; ISSN MACHEX
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Effects of Heat Treatment Parameters on the Microstructure and Properties of Bainitic Steel
A combined model for the description of austenitization, homogenization and grain growth in hypoeutectoid Fe-C steels during heating