Structural transformations in pearlite on heating. Communication 1. SOlid solution strengthening of ferritic constituent of pearlite

The problems dealt with the first stage of steel softening on annealing are under consideration. Calculation results are presented which shown that carbon concentration in ferritic constituent of pearlite can essentially exceed an equilibrium value if austenite decomposition occurs at temperatures much less than A1, poit. The results in in a noticeable increase of pearlite strength. Subsequent steel annealing in α-state promotes carbon escape from solid solution accompanied by steel softening. At this stage a decrease of saturation magnetization is also observed which can be explained by carbon content reduction in carbide phase. Experimental results are given for high carbon steel type 70. 18 refs., 5 figs