Massive transformation in the Fe-Ni system

• The critical limit for the massive gamma-->alpha transformation in the Fe-Ni system has been measured by isothermal heat treatment of diffusion couples. The position of the alpha/gamma interface at the end of the treatment could be identified but some growth occurred during the quench. Growth is probably hindered at the beginning of the quench by a redistribution of Fe and Ni at the interface during the isothermal treatment. During the quench it often happens that the alpha/gamma interfaces develop jagged shapes and even very fine plates although there should usually be no orientation relationship. The critical limit agrees fairly well with classical results for the formation of equiaxed ferrite from continuous cooling of homogeneous specimens. At 1023 K it coincides with the alpha/alpha + gamma phase boundary. At lower temperatures it moves inside the alpha + gamma two-phase field. The driving force for the massive transformation increases at decreasing temperature and the limiting composition never approaches the T-0 line.

Keyword

massive transformation

microstructure

thermodynamics

iron alloys

interface

solute drag

thermodynamics

kinetics

growth

alloys

ferrite

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)