Super long-range diffusion of carbon during proeutectoid ferrite transformation

In order to explore the possible diffusion distance of carbon during proeutectoid ferrite transformation, a slow cooling test of low carbon steel was carried out under vacuum of the thermal simulator. The microstructure and thermal expansion curve were discussed and the carbon concentration inside the sample was measured. The ferrite layer of about 450 µm thickness was obtained without pearlite on the surface of the sample in the microstructure. The thermal expansion curve shows that the ferrite layer without pearlite is formed during the local phase transformation, which is followed by the global transformation. The carbon concentration in the core of the sample (0.061%) is significantly higher than that of the bulk material (0.054%). All results show that carbon has long-range diffusion from the outer layer to the inner layer of the sample. The transformation is predominantly interface-controlled mode during local transformation, and the interface migration rate is about 2.25 µm/s.