Rate-controlling parameters in the coarsening kinetics of cementite in Fe–0.6C steels during tempering

Refining cementite with Si and Mn is of technological interest due to the low cost and recyclability. Recently, some experimental data were published which permit a discussion of the operative mechanism. A kinetic study led by simulation indicates that enrichment of ferrite with Si is time consuming; dissolution of Mn from cementite is the key to the slow coarsening rate of the carbide when Si is substituted by Mn in Fe–0.6C wt.% steels during tempering.