Quantitative measurement of cementite dissociation in drawn pearlitic steel

Fractional dissociation of cementite was quantified as a function of strain by measuring the volume change of cementite in the pearlitic steel. The amount of carbon dissolved into the ferrite was estimated from the decrease of cementite volume, to correlate with the hardness in different strain level. The hardness showed linear relationship with the carbon dissolved into the ferrite matrix, which is believed to contribute in strengthening the drawn wire. Defects introduced from the deformation were believed to lower the energy barrier of cementite break-ups and to enhance the dissolution of carbon into ferrite.

► The fraction of dissociated cementite with strain was quantitatively measured in pearlitic steel.
► A new technique to measure the lamellar volume fraction was proposed.
► Linear correlation was observed between the hardness and the amount of dissolved carbon.