Why Does Cementite Color Differ in Micrographs of Steel?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the color differences observed in cementite within micrographs of steel, specifically contrasting eutectoid and hypereutectoid steels. In eutectoid steel, cementite appears as thin dark lamellae within pearlite, while in hypereutectoid steel (e.g., 1.4 wt% C), proeutectoid cementite is observed as light. This color variation is attributed to the structural orientation and phase composition of the steel, impacting light reflection and absorption in micrographs.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of microstructural phases in steel, specifically pearlite and cementite.
  • Familiarity with photomicrography techniques used in metallography.
  • Knowledge of eutectoid and hypereutectoid steel compositions.
  • Basic principles of light interaction with materials at the microscopic level.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the microstructural characteristics of eutectoid versus hypereutectoid steel.
  • Explore metallographic techniques for analyzing cementite in steel.
  • Study the effects of carbon content on the microstructure of steel.
  • Learn about the optical properties of different phases in steel and their implications in micrographs.
USEFUL FOR

Metallurgists, materials scientists, and students studying steel microstructures, particularly those interested in the effects of composition on micrograph characteristics.

kelvin490
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I have a question about micrograph of steel.

In eutectoid steel, the pearlite exists as grains, within each colony the layers are oriented in essentially the same direction, which varies from one colony to another. The thick light layers are the ferrite phase, and the cementite phase appears as thin lamellae most of which appear dark.

However in photomicrographs of a hypereutectoid steel (e.g.1.4 wt% C) , we can observe the proeutectoid cementite appears light.

Why there is such a difference?
 
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