HeatTreatmentofSteel-CaliforniaStateUniversity.pdfVIP

HEAT TREATMENT OF STEEL Background Unit: Heat Treatment of Steel Introduction Figure 1 shows a slightly simplified version of the Fe- Fe C alloy system. (The simplification 3 consists of ignoring complex freezing behavior between 0% C and 0.53% C and between 1394°C and 1538°C. This behavior arises from the formation of δ, delta, the high-temperature body centered cubic form of iron, which is ignored here. Since all steels will pass through the single-phase austenite (γ, gamma) region and the heat treatment of steel is concerned with the conversion of γ to other phases at lower temperature, ignoring the δ-iron isn’t too serious. Four phases occur on the diagram in Fig. 1: 1. liquid, L, by itself at all temperatures above the liquidus, and mixed with a solid phase at temperatures between the liquidus and solidus. 2. austenite, γ, the solid solution of carbon with FCC γ iron. 3. ferrite, α., the solid solution of carbon with BCC a iron. 4. cementite, Fe C, or iron carbide, a compound of iron and carbon. 3 Notice that austenite can dissolve much more carbon than ferrite. Especially notice that at 727oC the ferrite can dissolve only 0.02% C while the austenite can dissolve 0.77% C. The Fe-Fe3C phase diagram is the basis of steels and cast irons. Plain carbon steels contain up to 2.11% C and cast irons contain more than 2.11% C. Figure 1 – Iron – Iron Carbide System Objectives After studying this unit and completing the lab assignment you should be able to complete the following tasks: 1. Write complete definitions of the following terms: a. austenite e. hardening, or quenching b. ferrite f. tempering, or drawing c. cementite g. plain carbon steel d. martensite h. eutectoid reaction 2. Given the Fe-Fe3C phase dia