Abnormal changes in properties of alloys during structural transformations

Conclusions Electrical conductivity suffers an abnormal and significant rise, and the resistance to plastic deformation (hardness) a considerable fall, during the isothermal transformation of austenitic alloys, at the time when the transformation is occurring fastest.The anomalous changes in properties are evidence of a special condition in the alloy during transformation, with a weakening of interatomic bonds and an acceleration of plastic deformation and electron transfer. A cautious approach is therefore needed to the interpretation of resistivity curves, obtained during transformation rather than after stabilizing the alloy by quenching.