Dilatometric study of non-isothermal pearlite decomposition in 0.11C-0.50Mn low carbon steel

Abstract

A dilatometric contraction at the onset of the austenitization has been detected by means of high resolution dilatometric analysis. This anomaly was associated with the pearlite dissolution process. A significant effect of pearlite interlamellar spacing on the shape of the dilatometric anomaly has been found. A clear dilatometric anomaly can only be detected when a fine pearlite is present in the starting microstructure of the steel. The identification of the temperature at which pearlite dissolution finishes would make it possible to select the most suitable intercritical temperature to obtain ferrite + martensite dual phase microstructures with an optimum combination of mechanical properties. In the presente work, the influence of starting pearlite morphology on the dilatometric response associated with the pearlite dissolution process during continuous heating has been studied in 0.11C-0.50Mn low carbon steel.