The Coexistence of Two Different Pearlites, Lamellae of (Ferrite + M3C), and Lamellae of (Ferrite + M23C6) in a Mn-Al Steel

Abstract

Two different pearlites after two separate eutectoid reactions were observed in an Fe-19.8 Mn-1.64 Al-1.03 C (wt pct) steel. The steel specimens were processed under solution heat treatment at 1373 K (1100 °C) and received isothermal holding at temperatures from 1073 K to 773 K (800 °C to 500 °C). The constituent phase of the steel is single austenite at temperatures between 1373 K and 1073 K (1100 °C and 800 °C). At temperatures below 1048 K (775 °C), M3C and M23C6 carbides coprecipitate at the austenitic grain boundaries. Two different pearlites appear in the austenite matrix simultaneously at temperatures below 923 K (650 °C). One is lamellae of ferrite and M3C carbide, and the other is lamellae of ferrite and M23C6 carbide. These two pearlites are product phases from two separate eutectoid reactions, i.e., austenite → ferrite + cementite and austenite → ferrite + M23C6. Therefore, the supersaturated austenite has decomposed into two different pearlites, separately.