Isothermal decomposition of austenite by the pearlitic mechanism in Cr−Mo−V steels for rolls

1. The stability of supercooled austenite in complex alloy Cr−Mo−V steels during decomposition by the pearlitic mechanism is greatly affected by the carbon content of the solid solution (from 0.45 to 0.90%). 2. With high supersaturation and low diffusional mobility of carbon atoms, a ferritecarbide mixture is formed with the particles in the shape of dendrites. With somewhat less supersaturation of austenite and higher diffusional mobility of carbon atoms one observed simultaneous growth of several dendrites from one center and linking. This results in the formation of pearlite cells in the shape of globules consisting of several fragments — growing dendrites. When the decomposition temperature is raised to 650–700°C and with increasing holding times, the dendrites are transformed to globules.