Combination of In Situ Microscopy and Calorimetry to Study Austenite Decomposition in Inclusion Engineered Steels

In situ high temperature confocal laser scanning microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry studies of ferrite formation in inclusion engineered (Ti2O3 and TiN) steels have been performed. The applied methodology allows distinction between intragranular ferrite, grain boundary ferrite, and pearlite. The effect of the inclusions and cooling rates on the initiation of phase transformation and the final microstructure is discussed. It is concluded that the applied hybrid methodology could provide vital details of solid-state phase transformations within the field of inclusion engineering.