Chapter 9: Phase Diagrams

ISSUES TO ADDRESS...
• When we combine two elements...
what equilibrium state do we get?
• In particular, if we specify...
--a composition (e.g., wt% Cu - wt% Ni), and
--a temperature (T )
then...
1. How many phases do we get?
2. What is the composition of each phase?
3. How much of each phase do we get?

Phase A Phase B

Nickel atom
Copper atom
Chapter 9 - 1
Definitions:
Components are pure metals and/or compounds of which
an alloy is composed. For example, in a copper–zinc brass,
the components are Cu and Zn.

System it may relate to the series of possible alloys

consisting of the same components, (e.g., the iron–carbon
system).

Solid solution consists of atoms of at least two different

types; the solute atoms occupy either substitutional or
interstitial positions in the solvent lattice, and the crystal
structure of the solvent is maintained.

Mixtures is a systems composed of two or more phases or

‘‘heterogeneous systems. Most metallic alloys, ceramic,
polymeric, and composite systems are heterogeneous.
Chapter 9 - 2
Phase: is defined as a homogeneous portion of a system
that has uniform physical and chemical characteristics. Every
pure material is considered to be a phase; so also is every
solid, liquid, and gaseous solution.
For example, the sugar–water syrup solution Each has
different physical properties (one is a liquid, the other is a
solid); furthermore, each is different chemically (i.e., has a
different chemical composition); one is virtually pure sugar,
the other is a solution of H2O
If more than one phase is present in a given system, each
will have its own distinct properties, and a boundary
separating the phases will exist across which there will be a
discontinuous and abrupt change in physical and/or chemical
characteristics
When two phases are present in a system, it is not
necessary that there be a difference in both physical and
chemical properties; a disparity in one or the other set of
Chapter 9 - 3
properties is sufficient. Ex. water and ice
• Heterogeneous Mixtures
are composed of two or more components that are:
unequally (not uniformly) distributed though out the
system, immiscible (won't dissolve), may be of
different phase, unable to disperse through most
membranes, and separable by mechanical means.
There are probably more possibilities for this type of
mixture than the first.
•

Chapter 9 - 4
 Phase Equilibria: Solubility Limit
Introduction
– Solutions – solid solutions, single phase
– Mixtures – more than one phase

• Solubility Limit: Sucrose/Water Phase Diagram

Max concentration for which only 100
Solubility

Temperature (°C)
a single phase solution occurs, at 80 Limit L
(liquid)
60 +
specific temp L
Question: What is the 40 (liquid solution S
solubility limit at 20°C? i.e., syrup) (solid
20 sugar)
Answer: 65 wt% sugar.
If Co < 65 wt% sugar: syrup 0 20 40 6065 80 100

Sugar
Water

Co =Composition (wt% sugar)

Pure

Pure
If Co > 65 wt% sugar: syrup + sugar.
Chapter 9 - 5
The addition of solute in excess of this solubility
limit results in the formation of another solid
solution or compound that has a clearly different
composition. To illustrate this concept, consider the
sugar–water (C12H22O11–H2O) system.

This solubility limit of sugar in water depends on the

temperature of the water

Chapter 9 - 6
 Components and Phases
• Components:
The elements or compounds which are present in the mixture
(e.g., Al and Cu)
• Phases:
The physically and chemically distinct material regions
that result (e.g.,  and ).

Aluminum-  (lighter
Copper
phase)
Alloy

(darker
phase)

Chapter 9 - 7
 Effect of T & Composition (Co)
• Changing T can change # of phases: path A to B.
• Changing Co can change # of phases: path B to D.
B (100°C,70) D (100°C,90)
1 phase 2 phases
100

80 L
Temperature (°C)

(liquid)
water- 60 +
sugar L S
system (liquid solution (solid
40 i.e., syrup) sugar)
20 A (20°C,70)
2 phases
0
0 20 40 60 70 80 100
Co =Composition (wt% sugar)
Chapter 9 - 8
 Phase Equilibria
• Free energy is a function of the internal energy of a system,
and also the randomness or disorder of the atoms or
molecules (or entropy).
• A system is at equilibrium if its free energy is at a minimum
under some specified combination of temperature, pressure,
and composition. In a macroscopic sense, this means that the
characteristics of the system do not change with time but
persist indefinitely; that is, the system is stable.
• phase equilibrium, refers to equilibrium as it applies to
systems in which more than one phase may exist.
• Metastable: non-equilibrium state that may persist for a very
long time (specially in solid systems, that a state of equilibrium
is never completely achieved because the rate of approach to
equilibrium is extremely slow)

Chapter 9 - 9
 Phase Equilibria

Simple solution system (e.g., Ni-Cu solution)

Crystal electroneg r (nm)

Structure
Ni FCC 1.9 0.1246
Cu FCC 1.8 0.1278

• Both have the same crystal structure (FCC) and have

similar electronegativities and atomic radii (W. Hume –
Rothery rules) suggesting high mutual solubility.
• Ni and Cu are totally miscible in all proportions.

Chapter 9 - 10
 Phase Diagrams
•Phase diagram gives information about the control
of microstructure or phase structure of a particular
alloy system is conveniently and concisely
displayed (equilibrium or constitutional diagram)

•There are three externally controllable parameters

that will affect phase structure – temperature,
pressure, and composition – and phase diagram are
constructed when combinations of these
parameters are plotted against one another

Chapter 9 - 11
 One – component (or unary) phase
diagram
It is a one component system, in which composition is held
constant ( i.e., the phase diagram is for a pure substance);
that is means that pressure and temperature are variable.

Ex. Water H2O

solid liquid

Triple point 0.01

0 vapour
Temp. 0.01 C
Pressure(atm)
-20 Chapter 9 - 12
Temperature ( C)
 Phase Diagrams
• Indicate phases as function of T, Co, and P.
• For this course:
-binary systems: just 2 components.
-independent variables: T and Co (P = 1 atm is almost always used).
T(°C)
• Phase 1600 • 2 phases region :
Diagram L (liquid)
1500 L (liquid)
for Cu-Ni  (FCC solid solution)
system 1400 • 3 phase fields:
d us L
1300 ui
liq + s

L lidu L+
so 
1200 
1100
(FCC solid
solution)
1000
0 20 40 60 80 100 wt% Ni Chapter 9 - 13
Ex. copper–nickel system

The liquid L is a homogeneous liquid solution composed of

both copper and nickel.

The phase is a substitutional solid solution consisting of

both Cu and Ni atoms, and having an FCC crystal structure.
At temperatures below about 1080C, copper and nickel are
mutually soluble in each other in the solid state for all
compositions.

This complete solubility is explained by the fact that both Cu

and Ni have the same crystal structure (FCC), nearly identical
atomic radii and electro-negativities, and similar valences.
The copper–nickel system is termed isomorphous because
of this complete liquid and solid solubility of the two
components.
Chapter 9 - 14
 Phase Diagrams:
# and types of phases
• Rule 1: If we know T and Co, then we know:
--the # and types of phases present.
T(°C)
• Examples: 1600
A(1100°C, 60): L (liquid)
1 phase:  1500

B (1250°C,35)
d us Cu-Ni
u i
B(1250°C, 35): 1400 liq us
phase
l id
2 phases: L +  so diagram
1300 + 
L (FCC solid
1200 solution)
1100 A(1100°C,60)

1000
0 20 40 60 80 100 wt% Ni
Chapter 9 - 15
 Phase Diagrams:
composition of phases
• Rule 2: If we know T and Co, then we know:
--the composition of each phase. Cu-Ni
T(°C) system
• Examples:
TA A
Co = 35 wt% Ni tie line dus
i
1300 L (liquid) liqu
At T A = 1320°C: 
L +
Only Liquid (L) B us
T id
CL = Co ( = 35 wt% Ni) B sol
 
At T D = 1190°C: +
1200 L D (solid)
Only Solid ( ) TD
C = Co ( = 35 wt% Ni)
20 3032 35 4043 50
At T B = 1250°C: CLCo C wt% Ni
Both  and L
CL = C liquidus ( = 32 wt% Ni here)
C = C solidus ( = 43 wt% Ni here)
Chapter 9 - 16
 Phase Diagrams:
weight fractions of phases
• Rule 3: If we know T and Co, then we know:
--the amount of each phase (given in wt%). Cu-Ni
• Examples: T(°C) system
Co = 35 wt% Ni TA A
tie line dus
i
At T A: Only Liquid (L) 1300 L (liquid) liqu
+ 
W L = 100 wt%, W  = 0 B L
d us
At T D: Only Solid ( ) TB R S so li

 
W L = 0, W = 100 wt%
1200 L+ D (solid)
At T B: Both  and L TD
S  43  35  73 wt % 20 3032 35 40 43 50
WL  CLCo C wt% Ni
R + S 43  32
R - Composition need be specified in terms of
W  = 27 wt% only one of the constituents for a binary alloy
R +S
Chapter 9 - 17
 The Lever Rule
• Tie line – connects the phases in equilibrium with
each other - essentially an isotherm
T(°C) How much of each phase?
tie line dus
liq u
i Think of it as a lever (teeter-totter)
1300 L (liquid)
+  M
L ML
B d us
TB s o l i

L + (solid)
1200
R S R S
20 30C C 40 C 50
L o  M  S  M L R
wt% Ni

ML S C  C0 R C  CL
WL     W   0
ML  M  R  S C  CL R  S C  CL
Chapter 9 - 18
DEVELOPMENT OF MICROSTRUCTURE
IN ISOMORPHOUS ALLOYS

1. EQUILIBRIUM COOLING

2. NONEQUILIBRIUM COOLING

Chapter 9 - 19
 1. EQUILIBRIUM COOLING
Ex: Cooling in a Cu-Ni Binary
• Phase diagram: T(°C) L (liquid) L: 35wt%Ni
Cu-Ni system. Cu-Ni
• System is: system
1300 A 
--binary L: 35 wt% Ni L+
i.e., 2 components:
: 46 wt% Ni
35 B
46
Cu and Ni. 32 C 43
--isomorphous 24 D
36
L: 32 wt% Ni
i.e., complete   : 43 wt% Ni
L+
solubility of one 1200 E
L: 24 wt% Ni
component in
another;  phase : 36 wt% Ni

field extends from (solid)
0 to 100 wt% Ni.
• Consider 1100
Co = 35 wt%Ni.
20 30 35 40 50
Co wt% Ni
Chapter 9 - 20
NONEQUILIBRIUM COOLING

Chapter 9 - 21
 Cored vs Equilibrium Phases
• C changes as we solidify.
• Cu-Ni case: First  to solidify has C = 46 wt% Ni.
Last  to solidify has C = 35 wt% Ni.
• Fast rate of cooling: • Slow rate of cooling:
Cored structure Equilibrium structure
Uniform C :
First  to solidify:
46 wt% Ni 35 wt% Ni
Last  to solidify:
< 35 wt% Ni

Chapter 9 - 22
 Mechanical Properties: Cu-Ni System
• Effect of solid solution strengthening on:
--Tensile strength (TS) --Ductility (%EL,%AR)

60
Tensile Strength (MPa)

%EL for pure Cu

Elongation (%EL)
400 50 %EL for
TS for pure Ni
pure Ni 40
300
TS for pure Cu 30
200 20
0 20 40 60 80 100 0 20 40 60 80 100
Cu Ni Cu Ni
Composition, wt% Ni Composition, wt% Ni

--Peak as a function of Co --Min. as a function of Co

Chapter 9 - 23
 Binary-Eutectic Systems
has a special composition
2 components with a min. melting T. Cu-Ag
T(°C) system
Ex.: Cu-Ag system 1200
• 3 single phase regions L (liquid)
(L, ) 1000
• Limited solubility:  L +  779°C L+
800
: mostly Cu TE 8.0 71.9 91.2
: mostly Ag 600
• TE : No liquid below TE 
solvus
• CE : Min. melting TE 400

composition 200
0 20 40 60 CE 80 100
• Eutectic transition Co , wt% Ag
L(CE) (CE) + (CE)
Chapter 9 - 24
 Binary-Eutectic Systems
Depending on composition, several different types of
microstructures are possible for the slow cooling of alloys
belonging to binary eutectic systems.
Ex. Lead(Pb)–tin(Sn) phase diagram

• The first case is for compositions ranging between a

pure component and the maximum solid solubility for that
component at room temperature [20C (70F)].
For the lead–tin system, this includes lead-rich alloys
containing between 0 and about 2 wt% Sn (for the phase
solid solution), and also between approximately 99 wt% Sn
and pure tin (for the β phase)

Chapter 9 - 25
Chapter 9 - 26
• The second case considered is for compositions that
range between the room temperature solubility limit and the
maximum solid solubility at the eutectic temperature.
For the lead–tin system (Figure 10.7), these compositions
extend from about 2wt%Sn to 18.3 wt%Sn (for lead-rich
alloys) and from 97.8 wt%Sn to approximately 99 wt% Sn (for
tin-rich alloys).
• The third case involves solidification of the eutectic
composition, 61.9 wt% Sn (C3 in Figure). Consider an alloy
having this composition that is cooled from a temperature
within the liquid-phase region (e.g., 250C) down the vertical
line yy in Figure. As the temperature is lowered, no changes
occur until we reach the eutectic temperature, 183C. Upon
crossing the eutectic isotherm, the liquid transforms to the
two and phases. This transformation may be represented by
the reaction
Chapter 9 -
• The fourth and final micro structural case for this
system includes all compositions other than the eutectic that,
when cooled, cross the eutectic isotherm. Consider, for
example, the composition C4 , see figure, which lies to the
left of the eutectic; as the temperature is lowered, we move
down the line zz, beginning at point j.

Chapter 9 - 28
Chapter 9 - 29
 EX: Pb-Sn Eutectic System (1)
• For a 40 wt% Sn-60 wt% Pb alloy at 150°C, find...
--the phases present:  +  Pb-Sn
--compositions of phases: T(°C) system
CO = 40 wt% Sn
C = 11 wt% Sn 300
L (liquid)
C = 99 wt% Sn
--the relative amount  L+ 
200 183°C L+ 
of each phase: 18.3 61.9 97.8
S C - CO 150
W =
R+S
=
C - C 
R S
100
+
99 - 40 59
= = = 67 wt%
99 - 11 88
C - C 0 11 20 40 60 80 99100
W = R = O C C
R+S C - C  Co C, wt% Sn
40 - 11 29
= = = 33 wt%
99 - 11 88 Chapter 9 - 30
 EX: Pb-Sn Eutectic System (2)
• For a 40 wt% Sn-60 wt% Pb alloy at 200°C, find...
--the phases present:  + L Pb-Sn
--compositions of phases: T(°C) system
CO = 40 wt% Sn
C = 17 wt% Sn 300
L (liquid)
CL = 46 wt% Sn L+ 
--the relative amount 220 
200 R S L+ 
of each phase: 183°C
CL - C O 46 - 40
W = = 100
CL - C  46 - 17 +
6
= = 21 wt%
29 100
0 17 20 40 46 60 80
CO - C  23 C Co CL C, wt% Sn
WL = = = 79 wt%
CL - C  29

Chapter 9 - 31
 Microstructures
in Eutectic Systems: I

• Co < 2 wt% Sn T(°C) L: Co wt% Sn

400
• Result: L

--at extreme ends 300 L
--polycrystal of  grains
i.e., only one solid phase. L+ 
200

: Co wt% Sn
(Pb-Sn
TE
System)

100
+ 

0 10 20 30
Co Co , wt% Sn
2
(room T solubility limit)

Chapter 9 - 32
 Microstructures
in Eutectic Systems: II
L: Co wt% Sn
• 2 wt% Sn < Co < 18.3 wt% Sn 400T(°C)
• Result: L
 Initially liquid +  L
300 
 then  alone L+
finally two phases : Co wt% Sn

 polycrystal 200
TE
 fine -phase inclusions 

100
+  Pb-Sn
system
0 10 20 30
2 Co Co , wt% Sn
(sol. limit at T room ) 18.3
(sol. limit at TE)
Chapter 9 - 33
 Microstructures
in Eutectic Systems: III
• Co = CE
• Result: Eutectic microstructure (lamellar structure)
--alternating layers (lamellae) of  and  crystals.
Micrograph of Pb-Sn
T(°C) eutectic
L: Co wt% Sn microstructure
300 L
Pb-Sn
system
L+ 
200  183°C L 
TE

100 160 m
 : 97.8 wt% Sn
: 18.3 wt%Sn

0 20 40 60 80 100
18.3 CE 97.8
61.9 C, wt% Sn Chapter 9 - 34
Lamellar Eutectic Structure

Chapter 9 - 35
 Microstructures
in Eutectic Systems: IV
• 18.3 wt% Sn < Co < 61.9 wt% Sn
• Result:  crystals and a eutectic microstructure
• Just above TE :
T(°C) L: Co wt% Sn  L
L
C = 18.3 wt% Sn
300  CL = 61.9 wt% Sn
L
Pb-Sn
L+ W = S = 50 wt%
system R+S
200
 R S L+   WL = (1- W) = 50 wt%
TE S
R
• Just below TE :
100 + C = 18.3 wt% Sn
primary  C = 97.8 wt% Sn
eutectic 
eutectic  W = S = 73 wt%
0 20 40 60 80 100 R+S
18.3 61.9 97.8 W = 27 wt%
Co, wt% Sn Chapter 9 - 36
 Hypoeutectic & Hypereutectic
Hypoeutectic: alloy with a composition C to the left
eutectic point (less than eutectic)

Hypereutectic: alloy with a composition C to the right

eutectic point (more than eutectic)

Chapter 9 - 37
Hypoeutectic & Hypereutectic
300
L
T(°C)
 L+ 
200 L+  (Pb-Sn
TE

+ System)
100

0 20 40 60 80 100 Co, wt% Sn

eutectic
hypoeutectic: Co = 50 wt% Sn 61.9 hypereutectic: (illustration only)

eutectic: Co = 61.9 wt% Sn

 
 
   
 
 
175 m 160 m
eutectic micro-constituent

Chapter 9 - 38
 Intermetallic Compounds
Terminal solid solution: the solid phase which exist
over composition ranges near the concentration
extremities.
Intermediate solid solution:(or intermediate phases )
A solid solution or phase having a composition
range that does not extend to either of the pure
components of the system. may be found at other
than the two composition extremes
Intermetallic compounds: ( for metal – metal system)
A compound of two metals that has a distinct
chemical formula. On a phase diagram it appears as
an intermediate phase that exists over a very narrow
range of compositions.
; Ex. The magnesium – lead system Chapter 9 - 39
 Intermetallic Compounds

Mg2Pb

Note: intermetallic compound forms a line - not an area -

because stoichiometry (i.e. composition) is exact. Chapter 9 - 40
Characteristics noting for magnesium – lead system:

1.The compound Mg2Pb melts at approximately 550 C as

indicated by point M in figure

2.The solubility of lead in magnesium is rather extensive, as

indicated by the relatively large composition span for the
phase field

3.The solubility of magnesium in lead is extremely limited.

This is evident from the very narrow β terminal – solid
solution region on the right or lead – rich side of the diagram

4.This phase diagram may be thought of as two simple

eutectic diagrams joined back to back, one for the Mg-Mg2Pb
system and the other for Mg2Pb-Pb; as such the compound
Mg2Pb is really considered to be a component
Chapter 9 - 41
 Eutectoid & Peritectic
• Eutectic - liquid in equilibrium with two solids
coolL +
heat

• Eutectoid - solid phase transforms into two solid

phases
intermetallic compound
S2 S1+S3 - cementite
cool

heat
 + Fe3C
(727ºC)- liquid + solid 1  solid 2 (Fig 9.21)
• Peritectic
S1 + L S2
cool
heat
+L 
(1493ºC)
Invariants point: the different phases in equilibrium
( ex. Eutectic, eutectoid, peritectic)
Chapter 9 - 42
 Eutectoid & Peritectic
Peritectic transition  + L 
Cu-Zn Phase diagram

Eutectoid transition  +

Chapter 9 - 43
 THE GIBBS PHASE RULE
Gibbs phase rule for construction of phase diagram

Gibbs phase rule: For a system at equilibrium, an equation

that expresses the relationship between the number of
phases present and the number of externally controllable
variables.
P is the number of phases present
F is the number of these variables that can be changed
independently without altering the number of phases
that coexist at equilibrium(T, p, C)
C is the number of components in the system.
N is the number of non compositional variables (e.g.,
temperature and pressure).(p=1atm constant, soChapter
N =1) 9 - 44
Example: the copper–silver system

Since pressure is constant (1 atm), the parameter N is 1

(temperature is the only non compositional variable)

the number of components C is 2 (viz Cu and Ag),

Consider the case of single-phase fields on the phase

diagram (e.g., , , and liquid regions). Since only one phase is
present
This means that to completely describe the characteristics of
any alloy that exists within one of these phase fields, we
must specify two parameters; these are composition and
temperature, which locate, respectively, the horizontal and
Chapter 9 - 45
vertical positions of the alloy on the phase diagram.
 Iron-Carbon (Fe-C) Phase Diagram
In the classification scheme of ferrous alloys based on carbon
content, there are three types: iron, steel, and cast iron
1.Commercially pure iron contains less than 0.008 wt% C and,
from the phase diagram, is composed almost exclusively of
the ferrite phase at room temperature.
2. The iron–carbon alloys that contain between 0.008 and 2.14

wt% C are classified as steels. In most steels the

microstructure consists of both α and Fe3C phases.
3. Cast irons are classified as ferrous alloys that contain
between 2.14 and 6.70 wt% C. However, commercial cast
irons normally contain less than 4.5 wt% C

Chapter 9 - 46
Pure iron, upon heating, experiences two changes in crystal
structure before it melts.
1.At room temperature the stable form, called ferrite, or α
iron, has a BCC crystal structure.
2.At 912C (1674F ) Ferrite experiences a polymorphic
transformation to FCC austenite, or iron. This austenite
persists to 1394C (2541F), at which temperature the FCC
austenite reverts back to a BCC phase known as  ferrite,
which finally melts at 1538C (2800F).
3. The composition axis extends only to 6.70 wt% C; at this
concentration the intermediate compound iron carbide, or
cementite (Fe3C), is formed, which is represented by a
vertical line on the phase diagram. Thus, the iron–carbon
system may be divided into two parts: an iron-rich portion,
and the other (not shown) for compositions between 6.70 and
100 wt% C (pure graphite). In practice, all steels and cast
irons have carbon contents less than 6.70 wt% C;
Chapter 9 - 47
 Iron-Carbon (Fe-C) Phase Diagram
• 2 important T (°C)
1600
points 
-Eutectic (A): 1400 L
L   + Fe3C   +L
1200 1148°C
A L+Fe3C
-Eutectoid (B): (austenite)

Fe3C (cementite)
R S
   + Fe3C 1000  
+
   +Fe3C
800
 B 727°C = Teutectoid


R S
600
+Fe3C
400
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 6.7
(Fe) 0.76 4.30 Co, wt% C
120 m
Fe3C (cementite-hard)
C eutectoid

Result: Pearlite =
alternating layers of  (ferrite-soft)
 and Fe3C phases
Chapter 9 - 48
The two-phase regions are labeled in Figure.
1. It may be noted that one eutectic exists for the iron–iron
carbide system, at 4.30 wt% C and 1147C (2097F); for this
eutectic reaction,

the liquid solidifies to form austenite and cementite phases.

Of course, subsequent cooling to room temperature will
promote additional phase changes.
2. It may be noted that a eutectoid invariant point exists at a
composition of 0.76 wt% C and a temperature of 727C
(1341F). This eutectoid reaction may be represented by

Chapter 9 - 49
 Hypoeutectoid Steel
T (°C)
1600

1400 L
  (Fe-C
  +L
  1200 1148°C L+Fe3C System)

Fe3C (cementite)
(austenite)
  1000
   + Fe3C

  800 r s 727°C
  RS
w  =s/(r +s) 600
w  =(1- w )
 + Fe3C
400
 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 6.7
(Fe) Co , wt% C
0.76

C0
pearlite
w pearlite = w 
Hypoeutectoid
w  =S/(R+S) 100 m
steel
w Fe3C =(1-w  )
pearlite proeutectoid ferrite
Chapter 9 - 50
 Hypereutectoid Steel
T(°C)
1600

1400 L (Fe-C
  +L System)
 1200

  1148°C L+Fe3C

Fe3C (cementite)
(austenite)
  1000
   +Fe3C
Fe3C
  800 r s
   R S
600
w Fe3C =r/(r +s)  +Fe3C
w  =(1-w Fe3C )
400
0 1 Co 2 3 4 5 6 6.7
0.76

(Fe)
pearlite Co , wt%C
w pearlite = w 
w  =S/(R+S)
w Fe3C =(1-w  ) 60 mHypereutectoid
steel
pearlite proeutectoid Fe3C
Adapted from Fig. 9.33,Callister 7e. Chapter 9 - 51
 Example: Phase Equilibria
For a 99.6 wt% Fe-0.40 wt% C at a temperature
just below the eutectoid, determine the
following
a) composition of Fe3C and ferrite ()
b) the amount of carbide (cementite) in grams
that forms per 100 g of steel
c) the amount of pearlite and proeutectoid
ferrite ()

Chapter 9 - 52
 Chapter 9 – Phase Equilibria
Solution: a) composition of Fe3C and ferrite ()
b) the amount of carbide CO = 0.40 wt% C
(cementite) in grams that C = 0.022 wt% C
forms per 100 g of steel CFe C = 6.70 wt% C
3
1600

Fe3C Co  C 1400 L
 x100 T(°C)
Fe3C   CFe3 C  C   +L

Fe C (cementite)
1200 1148°C L+Fe3C
(austenite)
0.4  0.022
 x 100  5.7g 1000
6.7  0.022  + Fe3C
800 727°C
R S
Fe3C  5.7 g 600  + Fe3C
  94.3 g 400
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 6.7
C CO Co , wt% C CFe
3C

Chapter 9 - 53
 Chapter 9 – Phase Equilibria
c. the amount of pearlite and proeutectoid ferrite ()
note: amount of pearlite = amount of  just above TE
Co = 0.40 wt% C
C = 0.022 wt% C 1600

Cpearlite = C = 0.76 wt% C 1400 L
T(°C)
 Co  C   +L
 x 100  51.2 g 1200

Fe C (cementite)
1148°C L+Fe3C
   C  C (austenite)
1000
 + Fe3C
800 727°C
RS
pearlite = 51.2 g 600  + Fe3C
proeutectoid  = 48.8 g 400
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 6.7
C CO C Co , wt% C

Chapter 9 - 54
 Alloying Steel with More Elements

• Teutectoid changes: • Ceutectoid changes:

(wt%C)
Ti Si
(°C)

Mo Ni
W
Cr
T Eutectoid

C eutectoid
Cr
Si
Mn
Mn W
Ti Mo
Ni

wt. % of alloying elements wt. % of alloying elements

Chapter 9 - 55
 Summary

• Phase diagrams are useful tools to determine:

--the number and types of phases,
--the wt% of each phase,
--and the composition of each phase
for a given T and composition of the system.
• Alloying to produce a solid solution usually
--increases the tensile strength (TS)
--decreases the ductility.
• Binary eutectics and binary eutectoids allow for
a range of microstructures.
• Steels are alloyed for:
--improve their corrosion resistance
--to render them amenable to heat treatment
Chapter 9 - 56