STRUCTURE OF PLAIN CARBON STEEL

MATERIAL SCIENCE ENGINEERING METALLURGY

ENM221-0069/2020

LUCAS KESI MWADORI

20/11/2023
TITLE: STRUCTURE OF PLAIN CARBON STEEL

OBJECTIVE

To observe and draw microstructures of various steels, to discuss the formation of micro-structures and
the effect of heat treatment on mechanical properties and uses.

INTRODUCTION

Steel is the most widely used engineering material. It is used in structural work in the manufacture of
many vessels, general fabrication work and many other uses. This is due to the wide range of mechanical
properties available at low cost compared to other materials. The structure and properties are controlled
by control of alloying elements and heat treatment. It is therefore necessary to understand the
microstructure of steel as this assist to explain the wide range of mechanical properties.

SPECIMEN

SPECIMEN NUMBER SPECIMEN NAME

1 Ferrite
2 Pearlite and Ferrite
3 Pearlite
4 Network Cementite
5 Globular Cementite
6 Martensite
14 Martensite and Ferrite
16 Carburized structure

SPECIMEN PREPARATION

All the specimen were first ground, polished with emery paper and then partially electro-polished. The
surface was then etched using a suitable etchant, Nital and covered with vinyl membrane to prevent
rust.

PROCEDURE

Microscopic Observation

The prepared samples were observed under a digital microscope at various magnifications to capture
detailed microstructural features.
Image Capture

High-resolution images of the microstructures were captured using the digital microscope's imaging
capabilities.

Drawing and Analysis

Microstructures were drawn and analyzed to identify the phases present, their distribution, and any
other noteworthy features.

RESULTS

The following images were captured using the digital microscope:

Ferrite
pearlite
Globular Cementite
Globular Cementite

Network Cementite
Network Cementite

DISCUSSION

Ferrite

Body-centered cubic (BCC) crystal lattice, well-defined grain boundaries.

Forms during the cooling of austenite in iron-carbon alloys.

Contributes to the ductility and toughness of steel. Commonly found in low-carbon steels.

Pearlite

Lamellar structure with alternating layers of ferrite and cementite.

Result of eutectoid transformation during the cooling of austenite.

Provides a balance of strength and ductility. Common in structural steels.

Ferrite and Pearlite

Coexistence of ferrite and pearlite phases.

Dependent on alloy composition and cooling rates.

Offers a combination of strength and ductility. Common in medium-carbon steels.

Network Cementite

Interconnected network of cementite in a ferritic matrix.

Result of prolonged eutectoid transformation.

Provides high wear resistance. Common in some tool steels.

Globular Cementite

Spherical or globular formations of cementite.

Depends on alloy composition and cooling conditions.

Enhances certain wear properties. Found in some high-strength steels.

Martensite

Needle-like structures, formed during rapid quenching of austenite.

Result of a diffusionless transformation.

Provides high hardness and strength. Common in tool steels.

Martensite and Ferrite

Coexistence of martensitic and ferritic phases.

Depends on alloy composition and cooling rates.

Offers a combination of hardness and ductility. Found in dual-phase steels.

Carburized Structure

Hardened case resulting from carbon diffusion, with a softer core.

Carburizing process involving the introduction of carbon into the surface layer.
Enhances surface hardness and wear resistance. Common in gears and other components.

CONCLUSION

Understanding the microstructures of different steels is crucial for tailoring their mechanical properties
to specific applications. The formation of these microstructures, influenced by alloy composition and
heat treatment, plays a key role in determining the performance characteristics of steels. The careful
selection of steel types and appropriate heat treatment processes allows engineers to optimize materials
for various industrial requirements, balancing factors such as strength, ductility, hardness, and wear
resistance.

REFERENCES
E.C Rollason – Metallurgy for Engineers
R.A Higgins – Engineering Metallurgy