Nucleation of Bainite on Allotriomorphic Ferrite/Austenite Interface in a Low Carbon Steel

摘要

A low carbon steel is austenitized and isothermally held at 680°C to form allotriomorphic ferrite and followed by a holding at lower temperature to form bainite. The morphology of allotriomorphic ferrite/bainite interfaces is studied using optical microscope. Three kinds of combination are observed: Type I: interface on one side is clear while on the other side, unclear; Type II: unclear on both sides; Type III: clear on both sides. Clear interface indicates a large difference in the orientation between the bainite and the ferrite, and unclear interface, a very small difference. The statistical counting shows that the ratio of Type I is about 80-82%, and that of Type II, 7-8%, and Type III, 9-11%. It is observed that this ratio does not change with the austenite grain size and bainite forming temperature. And the clear and unclear side of allotriomorphic ferrite may have different influence on the nucleation rate of bainite at allotriomorhic ferrite/prior austenite interface.