Abstract
The spheroidization of cementite at subcritical and intercritical temperatures was studied quantitatively by evaluation of a shape factor for the cementite particles. It was found that the degree of spheroidization, as determined by the values of the shape factor, was markedly accelerated by treatments consisting in either (1) subcritical annealing after cold deformation or (2) intercritical annealing followed by subcritical annealing. Nevertheless, some differences were found among the microstructures resulting from the above treatments, which were related to the mechanisms of cementite formation in each of them. Also, the kinetics of austenitization during intercritical annealing was found to be accelerated by previous deformation, and the analysis of the formation of austenite at intercritical temperatures in terms of an Avrami equation was consistent with an effective saturation of ferrite-pearlite boundaries with austenite nuclei, followed by a planar mode of growth into the pearlite nodules.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
