On the theory of austenite-cementite phase equilibria in steels

Abstract

A microscopic model is proposed, which describes the structure and thermodynamic properties of cementite (an ordered iron carbide with a composition of Fe3C1 − δ) and the phase equilibria between cementite and austenite (a disordered solid solution of carbon in face-centered cubic iron). Based on this model, chemical and stress-induced (deformational) interactions of carbon atoms in cementite and austenite structures are quantitatively evaluated. The “lattice” contributions in the equations of phase equilibria, which are related to changes in the crystal structure as a result of the cementite-austenite phase transition, are estimated. The proposed model well describes available data on the thermodynamics of cementite and austenite and provides a basis for the further microscopic investigation of high-temperature phase transformations in steels.