Effects of deformation parameters on formation of pro-eutectoid cementite in hypereutectoid steels

Brittle pro-eutectoid cementite that forms along prior-austenite in hypereutectoid steels is deleterious to mechanical properties. The optimum process parameters which suppress the formation of pro-eutectoid cementite in hypereutectoid steels with carbon content in the range of 0.8%-1.3% in mass fraction, were investigated. Pro-eutectoid cementite formation is effectively hindered by increasing the deformation temperature and decreasing the amount of strain. Transformation at lower temperatures close to the nose of the cooling-transformation diagram also reduces the tendency of the formation of pro-eutectoid cementite. Control of prior-austenite grain size and grain boundary conditions is important. Due to larger number of nucleation sites, finer prior-austenite grain size results in the acceleration of transformation to pro-eutectoid cementite. However, large prior-austenite and straight boundaries lead to less nucleation sites of pro-eutectoid cementite. The cooling rate and carbon content should be reduced as much as possible. The transformation temperature below 660 °C and the strain of 0.5 at deformation temperature of 850 °C are suggested.