Abstract
The aging behavior of iron-carbon martensite (1.13 wt Pct C) between -190 °C and 450 °C was investigated by quantitative analysis of the corresponding changes in volume and enthalpy. A method to determine activation energies of the occurring solid-state transformations by performing non-isothermal measurements of some physical property of the specimen has been described. Martensitic specimens were prepared by carburizing pure iron and quenching in brine and liquid nitrogen. The dilatometric and calorimetric experiments were supplemented with microhardness measurements. At least five different stages of structural change can be distinguished, which are quantitatively analyzed in terms of their effects on volume and enthalpy: (i) transformation of retained austenite into martensite (between −180 and −100 °C); (ii) redistribution of carbon atoms (below 100 °C); (iii) precipitation of transition carbide (between 80 and 200 °C); (iv) decomposition of retained austenite (between 240 and 320 °C); and (v) conversion of transition carbide into cementite (between 260 and 350 °C).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
