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Figure 1. The Fe-C phase diagram shows which phases are to be expected
at metastable equilibrium for different combinations of carbon content and
temperature. The metastable Fe-C phase diagram was calculated with
Thermo-Calc, coupled with PBIN thermodynamic database.
At the low-carbon end of the metastable Fe-C phase diagram, we
distinguish ferrite (alpha-iron), which can at most dissolve 0.028 wt. % C
at 738 C, and austenite (gamma-iron), which can dissolve 2.08 wt. % C
at 1154 C. The much larger phase field of gamma-iron (austenite)
Pure iron is a relatively soft, ductile low strength metal with few practical engineering
applications. The addition of Carbon to pure iron increases strength and hardenability to
useful levels. However it decreases ductility.
This phase diagram tells us the various phases a particular alloy of Iron and Carbon will go
through when allowed to cool down to room temp. Click here to see the phases a 3%
Carbon alloy would go through upon cooling from molten liquid.
In general iron carbon alloys up to 2% are known as steels while from 2% upwards the
alloys are identified as cast iron. Our study mainly deals with the alloys up to 2% carbon i.e
the steels part of the diagram so we will move on to look at this section of the diagram. To
see the next page click on this diagram anywhere up to 2% Carbon content.