Cementite Decomposition of Pearlitic Steels during Cold Drawing

Abstract

Microstructures of cold drawn pearlitic steel wires were investigated by three-dimensional atom probe (3D-AP) to understand the influence of alloying elements on the decomposition of cementite. Before cold drawing, Si is mostly located in the ferrite phase, while Cr is located in the Fe3C phase and the amount of Mn is similar in Fe3C and in ferrite. Higher Si amount leads to higher dissolution rate of cementite and Cr has a little effect on cementite decomposition during drawing.