martensite
Quick Summary
Martensite is a hard constituent that is the primary component of quenched steel. It forms when steel is cooled very rapidly, a process known as quenching.12
When steel cools quickly, there isn't enough time for carbon atoms to form larger carbides. If the cooling rate is extremely fast (around 1,000° C per minute), carbide formation is completely prevented. This forces the undercooled ferrite to hold a large amount of carbon in solution, creating the martensite microstructure.2
Martensite is the hardest and most brittle form of steel, with a DPH (Vickers hardness) of approximately 1,000. Heat-treating martensitic steel, a process called tempering, can reduce its hardness and brittleness, resulting in a stronger and tougher steel.2
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metallurgyHardening treatments…the low-temperature-transformation phase (known as martensite) increases with carbon content, and this can result in some very strong alloys. Other alloying elements such as nickel, chromium, and manganese are added to steel primarily to slow transformation from the high-temperature phase so that thicker pieces, which cool more slowly on quenching,…
Read More…the low-temperature-transformation phase (known as martensite) increases with carbon content, and this can result in some very strong alloys. Other alloying elements such as nickel, chromium, and manganese are added to steel primarily to slow transformation from the high-temperature phase so that thicker pieces, which cool more slowly on quenching,…
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steelEffects of heat-treatingThis generates a new microstructure, martensite. The DPH of martensite is about 1,000; it is the hardest and most brittle form of steel. Tempering martensitic steel—i.e., raising its temperature to a point such as 400° C and holding it for a time—decreases the hardness and brittleness and produces a strong…
Read MoreThis generates a new microstructure, martensite. The DPH of martensite is about 1,000; it is the hardest and most brittle form of steel. Tempering martensitic steel—i.e., raising its temperature to a point such as 400° C and holding it for a time—decreases the hardness and brittleness and produces a strong…
Read More