Effects of Carbon Content on Ferrite, Pearlite, and Cementite in Steel when it is equilibrium state
As the carbon content increases, the amount of ferrite decreases, while the amounts of pearlite and cementite increase. In low-carbon steel, the structure is predominantly soft ferrite; in medium-carbon steel, it consists of a mixture of ferrite and pearlite; and in high-carbon steel, the structure is mainly composed of hard pearlite and cementite. Since the carbon content significantly affects the hardness, toughness, and machinability of the structure, the appropriate carbon content is selected based on the intended application.
