In situ observations of Widmanstätten ferrite formation in a low-carbon steel

An in situ laser-scanning confocal microscopy study has been undertaken into Widmanstätten ferrite formation in an Fe-C alloy, in combination with electron backscattered diffraction. It has been found for the first time that the sympathetic nucleation of Widmanstätten ferrite on grain boundary allotriomorphs can exhibit a step wise change in orientation and growth direction until the most favourable growth conditions are achieved.