Which one of the following sets of constituents is expected in equilib...
Hypereutectoid steel when cooled in equilibrium will result in proeutectoid cementite and pearlite whereas hypoeutectoid steel when cooled in equilibrium will result in proeutectoid ferrite and pearlite.
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Which one of the following sets of constituents is expected in equilib...
Equilibrium Cooling of Hypereutectoid Steel
Introduction:
When a hypereutectoid steel is cooled from the austenitic state, the constituents that are expected to form depend on the composition of the steel and the cooling rate. In equilibrium cooling, which is a slow cooling process, the constituents that form are ferrite and cementite or ferrite and pearlite.
Explanation:
- Hypereutectoid steel is a type of steel that contains more than 0.8% carbon. This high carbon content allows the formation of cementite, which is a compound of iron and carbon.
- In the austenitic state, the steel is fully austenitic, meaning it consists of a single phase of solid solution of carbon in iron.
- When the hypereutectoid steel is cooled slowly, it undergoes a phase transformation.
- The first phase to form is cementite, which precipitates out of the austenite matrix. This occurs because the solubility of carbon in austenite decreases with decreasing temperature.
- The cementite forms as small particles within the austenite matrix.
- As the cooling continues, the remaining austenite transforms into pearlite, which is a lamellar mixture of ferrite and cementite.
- The pearlite consists of alternating layers of ferrite and cementite.
- Therefore, in equilibrium cooling of a hypereutectoid steel, the expected constituents are cementite and pearlite.
Conclusion:
In equilibrium cooling of a hypereutectoid steel from the austenitic state, the expected constituents are cementite and pearlite. Cementite forms first as small particles within the austenite matrix, and then the remaining austenite transforms into pearlite, which is a lamellar mixture of ferrite and cementite.
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