Magnetic field induced pearlite transformation in Fe–0.47C–2.31Si–3.15Mn steel above the eutectoid temperature

It was found that the pearlite transformation (PT) in Fe–0.47C–2.31Si–3.15Mn (wt%) alloys could be induced by magnetic field at temperatures above the eutectoid temperature. The mechanism of magnetic-induced pearlite transformation (MIPT) has been discussed. It was found that the ferromagnetic ferrite phase has lower free energy compared with other phases under the applied magnetic field. Therefore, its formation is responsible for the nucleation and growth of pearlite at temperatures above the eutectoid point. The driving force for the MIPT is the magnetostatic energy difference between the austenite and ferrite due to the different saturation magnetization in the presence of magnetic field. The preceding phase in the formation of pearlite is the ferromagnetic ferrite phase.