Austenite
Austenite is a solid solution of carbon and iron that exists in steel above the critical temperature of 1333°F (about
723°C). It is named after Sir W.C. Roberts-Austen. Its face-centred
cubic (FCC) structure allows it to hold a high proportion of carbon. As it cools, it breaks down into other materials such as
pearlite (a mixture of ferrite and
cementite), martensite and
bainite. The rate of cooling determines the relative proportions of these materials
and therefore the mechanical properties (e.g. hardness, tensile strength) of the steel.
The addition of certain other metals, such as manganese, nickel and chromium, can cause the austenitic
structure to survive at room temperature, resulting in austenitic steel.
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