Complete Study Notes: Chapter 9 –
Phase Diagrams
Slide 1: ISSUES TO ADDRESS…
- What is the equilibrium state when combining two elements?
- Given composition (e.g., wt% Cu - wt% Ni) and temperature (T):
- How many phases form?
- What is the composition of each phase?
- What is the amount of each phase?
Slide 2: What is a Phase Diagram?
- Graphical representation of phase stability vs. temperature and composition.
- Typically T (y-axis) vs. composition (x-axis) at constant pressure.
Slide 3: Importance for Alloys
- Strong link between microstructure and properties.
- Used in solidification, heat treatment, and property prediction.
Slide 4: Components & Phases
- Component: Elements or compounds in the alloy.
- Phase: Homogeneous region with uniform properties.
Slide 5: System, Solutions, Mixtures
- System: Specific set of components.
- Solid Solution: Single-phase alloy.
- Mixture: Multiple phases.
Slide 6–7: Phases and Homogeneity
- Single-phase = Homogeneous
- Multi-phase = Heterogeneous
Slide 8: Phase Equilibrium
- Stable state at constant T and pressure.
- p-T diagram example for water.
Slide 9–10: Solubility Limit
- Max solute in solvent for one phase.
- Beyond this = second phase forms.
Slide 11: Effect of T and C
- Changes in T or composition can cause phase transitions.
Slide 12–20: Cu-Ni Binary Phase Diagram
- Isomorphous system: complete solubility in solid and liquid.
- Regions: Liquid, Solid (α), and Liquid + Solid.
- Rules:
1. Use T and C₀ to find phase region.
2. Use tie line to find Cα and CL.
3. Use lever rule to calculate phase fractions.
- Microstructure: Liquid → α + L → α on cooling.
- Mechanical: Solid solution strengthening; TS and YS ↑, ductility ↓.
Eutectic Systems (Slides 21–25)
- Cu–Ag system: limited solubility.
- Eutectic point: L → α + β at Cᴇ = 71.9% Ag, Tᴇ = 779°C.
- Hypoeutectic: primary α + eutectic.
- Eutectic: 100% eutectic (α + β).
- Hypereutectic: primary β + eutectic.
Microstructure Evolution (Slides 26–31)
- Detailed explanation of hypoeutectic and hypereutectic.
- Pearlite: layered α + Fe₃C from eutectoid reaction.
- Lever rule applied to eutectic systems.
Intermediate Phases (Slides 32–35)
- Intermetallics (fixed composition) vs. solid solutions.
- Examples: Cu–Zn (β′ phase), Mg–Pb (Mg₂Pb compound).
Fe–C Diagram: Pure Iron and Phases (Slides 36–40)
- α-ferrite: BCC, magnetic, soft, <0.022 wt% C.
- γ-austenite: FCC, non-magnetic, more C solubility (up to 2.14%).
- δ-ferrite: BCC, high-T, not room-temp stable.
- Cementite: Fe₃C, 6.70% C, hard, brittle, appears with pearlite.
- Critical temps: A₁ = 727°C, A₃ ≈ 830°C (for 0.4% C), Acm = 1147°C.
Hypoeutectoid Steel (Slides 41–45)
- C < 0.76% → forms proeutectoid α above 727°C.
- At 727°C: remaining γ → pearlite (α + Fe₃C).
- Microstructure: proeutectoid ferrite + pearlite.
- Lever rule used to find % ferrite and % pearlite.
Clarifications (Cementite & Temps)
- Cementite = always 6.70% C (fixed), not variable.
- Exists from room temp up to 1147°C (above = decomposes).
- Under real-world conditions, can transform to graphite.
Transformations & Undercooling (Slides 56–60)
- Undercooling = cooling below transformation temp without immediate change.
- Slow cooling → coarse pearlite.
- Moderate → fine pearlite.
- Fast → bainite.
- Rapid → martensite.
Martensite (Slides 61–64)
- Forms by shear without diffusion.
- FCC γ → BCT martensite (trapped C causes distortion).
- Extremely hard but brittle.
Tempered Martensite (Slides 65–66)
- Reheat martensite (200–600°C) → Fe₃C precipitates, stress relief.
- Reduces hardness slightly, improves toughness.
Summary of Transformations (Slide 67)
- Table of transformations from γ depending on cooling rate.
Metal Fabrication (Slides 76–81)
- Forming: Hot (soft, no hardening) vs Cold (strain hardening).
- Casting: Sand, investment, die casting.
- Powder metallurgy: press and sinter.
- Annealing: relieves internal stress, restores ductility.
