iron carbide
Iron carbide, also called cementite (Fe₃C), is a compound formed of iron and carbon during solidification and heat treatment imparting much hardness and brittleness. Therefore, this phase is responsible for actually raising the strength and hardness of ferrous materials.
Key Features:
- Chemistry and Structure : The compound consists of three iron atoms bonded with one carbon atom. Intermetallic in steel and cast iron are formed by this carbide during cooling or heat treatment. The hardness is aided by the complex orthorhombic crystal structure.
- Enhanced Properties: More Hardness, Less Ductility, Effect on Toughness
- Applications: Production of Steel: Iron carbide forms during heat treatment in carbon steel, affecting the hardness and strength of the material and the properties well beyond this. In Machines Subject to Wear: Outstanding for applications like cutting tools and wear plates where only high hardness is required.
The importance of iron carbide lies in its importance on metallurgy in respect to heat treatment and alloying of steels. The formation and distribution of this compound are manipulated by engineers to enhance the properties of materials for specific applications, effectively balancing hardness, wear resistance, and toughness.