Thermodynamics of the carbides in the system Fe-Cr-C

Phase relations in the Fe-Cr-C system in the temperature range 900 to 1150°C have been studied using metallographic and X-ray methods and the electron microprobe. An isothermal section of the phase diagram at 1000°C is shown. Lattice dimensions of the three carbides were determined for several values of the ratio Cr:(Fe +Cr). The solubilities of the carbides at each temperature were determined by metallographic study of quenched specimens. The distribution of Cr between austenite (γ) and the several carbides was determined by use of the electron microprobe. Data of Wada et al on the activity of carbon were used to calculate activities at the y-phase boundary and the free energy of the several carbides as a function of their chromium content. The data are treated thermodynamically on the basis of assumed random mixing of Cr and Fe atoms in each carbide. While this randomness was not definitely proved, the assumption was shown to be reasonable and the results useful. Extrapolation to 0 and 100 pct Cr gives values for the standard free energy of Cr₇C₃ and the hypothetical carbides Cr₃₆C, and Fe₇C₃. Formerly with the Research Staff, Massachusetts Institute Technology