Introduction

Diffusional transformation is that in which there is a different chemical

composition in the new phase than the parent phase. Because there is a
difference in composition than its surrounding, the formation of the new phase
can only be done by the transportation of atoms over relatively long distances.
For example, the pure salts' precipitation from solution of salt and water
changes the concentration of salt in the the parent liquid phase hence requiring
the movement of the salt, or diffusion, within the liquid phase. Since diffusion
of atoms is required, the progress of this transformation type is time dependent,
which normally can be suppressed by quenching to low temperatures at which
there is a very slow diffusion of atoms. That is why, to make Steel hard it must
be quenched. In steel, diffusional transformation to soft phases is achieved by
slow cooling. As diffusional transformations can progress with time at constant
temperature they are often referred to as isothermal.

At high temperatures during diffusional phase transformations due to chemical

or mechanical driving force the interface migrates. The solute atoms is forced
by a low solubility in the product phase to move by diffusion therefore the
solute's mole fraction depends on Spatial and time position.