TEM INVESTIGATION ON MICROSTRUCTURE AND FRACTURE PROCESS OF A PEARLITIC STEEL

The microstructure and fracture process of an eutectoid pearlitic steel have been observated and analysed by means of electron-diffraction-contrast technique and SEM. The fine structure of ferrite and cementite as well as the character of interface combination between the two phases in pearlite have been studied. The fracture process, which is characterized by layer structure was discussed in the term of crystallography. To evaluate the toughness level of pearlitie steels, a new macro-parameter, size of SOCC group, has been suggested.