The Influence of Microstructure on the Electromagnetic Behavior of Carbon Steel Wires

This paper describes the relations between microstructure, mechanical properties, and electromagnetic behavior of carbon steel wires submitted to different thermomechanical treatments. The electrical resistivity and bulk magnetic properties are determined through resistivity measurements down to 2 K and magnetic hysteresis loop measurements. In addition, magnetic domains are imaged by magnetic force microscopy despite the complex microstructures. The electromagnetic properties are mainly related to changes in the volume fraction, morphology, and distribution of the cementite phase within the alpha-ferrite matrix. Electrical conductivity and magnetic permeability increase in the order of martensite, tempered martensite, pearlite, proeutectoid ferrite-pearlite, spheroidite, and ferrite microstructures. The increase in carbon concentration enhances the electrons localization at atomic sites, assisting the covalent character of Fe-C interatomic bonds and thereby reducing conductivity. Moreover, the alpha-Fe3C interfaces that act as a physical barrier for dislocation slip in ferrite, affecting also the main free-paths for conductive electrons and magnetic domain walls displacements within the materials. As the electromagnetic behavior of steels results from individual contributions of microstructural elements that are often intrinsically related to one another, a careful interpretation of both electrical and magnetic responses is critical for a proper application of quality and process monitoring methods of carbon steel wires.

Automated summary

This paper investigates the relationship between microstructure, mechanical properties, and electromagnetic behavior of carbon steel wires. The study reveals that the electromagnetic properties are primarily influenced by the volume fraction, morphology, and distribution of the cementite phase. An increase in carbon concentration leads to higher electrical conductivity and magnetic permeability. Additionally, the interfaces of cementite phase act as physical barriers for dislocation slip in ferrite. A careful interpretation of the electrical and magnetic responses is crucial for quality control and process monitoring of carbon steel wires.