| Abstract Scope |
A key issue in the design of corrosion-resistant eutectoid steels is its pearlitic microstructure where the alternating lamellae of ferrite (anode) and cementite (cathode) phases constitute a galvanic couple resulting in accelerated degradation of structural components. Recent investigations suggest that altering the morphology of pearlitic colonies, in particular, the inter-lamellar spacing and ferrite-cementite interfacial area ratio, through the isothermal annealing process, is an effective means of enhancing corrosion resistance. Therefore, in order to tailor the microstructure, a comprehensive understanding of the operative diffusional mechanisms during processing is warranted. In this talk, I will discuss a CALPHAD-informed phase-field model that can be used to simulate the cooperative and non-cooperative evolution of eutectoid phases in multicomponent steels during the inter-critical and sub-critical annealing processes. Implications of annealing time and temperature on the characteristics of evolving microstructure will be discussed. |