The microstructure of discontinuously precipitated lamellae in an austenitic Fe-42.4 Wt Pct Ni- 4.15 Wt Pct AI-0.45 Wt Pct C alloy

Phase decomposition of austenitic Fe-42.4 wt pct Ni-4.15 wt pct Al-0.45 wt pct C on aging at 823 K was investigated by means of electron microscopy, selected area diffraction and microdiffraction, and microprobe chemical analysis. During annealing, κ phase of L′l₂ structure fully coherent with the matrix formedvia the nucleation and growth mechanism. The matrix phase and cubic κ carbide were later gradually encroached upon by discontinuously precipitated lamellar phases. The duplex fine lamellae are composed of alternately arranged carbon-depleted Ll₂ phase and cementite. Between the two constituents in the lamellae, the Pitsch orientation relationship is fulfilled, and at the same time, the matrix phase of the grain which the discontinuously precipitated lamellar colony has left behind maintains the crystallographic cube-to-cube correspondence with the product Ll₂ phase.