Briefly cite the differences between pearlite bainite and sp

Briefly cite the differences between pearlite, bainite, and spheroidite relative to microstructure and mechanical properties.

Solution

The microstructures of pearlite, bainite, and spheroidite all consist of -ferrite and cementite phases. For pearlite, the two phases exist as layers which alternate with one another. Bainite consists of very fine and parallel needle-shaped particles of cementite that are surrounded an -ferrite matrix.

For spheroidite, the matrix is ferrite, and the cementite phase is in the shape of sphere-shaped particles.

Bainite is harder and stronger than pearlite, which, in turn, is harder and stronger than spheroidite.