Comparative analysis of microstructural influences on cracking in pearlitic reinforced rods steels with spheroidized vs. lamellar cementite configurations in harsh environments
摘要
Corrosion behavior of near-eutectoid pearlitic reinforcement rods varies with cementite morphology. We analyze two rods: Sample A with spheroidized cementite and Sample B with lamellar pearlite. Tensile testing showed A balances strength–ductility (YS 1045–1065 MPa, UTS 1275–1295 MPa, El 9.6–9.8%), whereas B is stronger but less ductile (YS 1240–1260 MPa, UTS 1450–1470 MPa, El 8.0–8.2%). XRD yielded lattice parameters and defect broadening to estimate dislocation density; EBSD resolved crystallographic orientation, slip families, boundary character, and morphology. A is {001}-rich (cube/rotated cube) with higher lattice curvature and dislocation density (~ 1015 m−2 in hotspots), whereas B exhibits pronounced {110} fibers and continuous Fe/Fe3C lamellae. Crack-path mapping in A linked pit embryos beneath {001} patches to subsurface propagation along high-angle boundary networks (HAB fractions: A 26.5%, B 27.4%). Electrochemical tests in CO₂-saturated 3.5 wt% NaCl confirmed overall higher sensitivity of A: lower polarization resistance and higher corrosion current. Thus, lamellar connectivity plus {110} texture tortuosifies diffusion/crack trajectories and lowers stored strain, while spheroidization with {001} orientation concentrates adsorption and facilitates pit-to-crack transitions.