Teach Yourself Phase Diagrams

The Iron-Carbon Phase Diagram

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• Introduction
• 1. The eutectoid reaction
• 2. Eutectoid microstructure
• 3. Microstructures in steels

The eutectoid reaction

The compositions of the two new phases are given by the ends of the tie-line through the eutectoid point. The general eutectoid reaction is therefore:

Solid γ –> solid α + solid β

or using the names given to these phases:

Austenite –> ferrite + cementite (Fe₃C)

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