Time Temperature Transformation (TTT) or

Isothermal Transformation (IT) Diagrams

by
Wahyono Suprapto

Transformations & Undercooling

Eutectoid transformation (Fe-Fe3C system):
0.76 wt% C
For transformation to occur, must

+ Fe3C

6.7 wt% C
0.022 wt% C

cool to below 727C

T(C)
1600

1400

1000

+Fe3C

Eutectoid:

Equil. Cooling: Ttransf. = 727C

800

400
0
(Fe)

727C

+Fe3C

Undercooling by Ttransf. < 727 C

0.76

600

0.022

ferrite

L+Fe3C

1148C

(austenite)

Fe3C (cementite)

1200

+L

6.7

C, wt% C

Eutectoid Transformation Rate ~ T

Transformation of austenite to pearlite:

Austenite ( )
grain
boundary

cementite (Fe3C)
Ferrite ( )

Diffusion of C
during transformation

pearlite
growth
direction
For this transformation,
% pearlite

rate increases with ( T)

[Teutectoid T ].

Carbon
diffusion

100
600C
( T larger)

50

650C
675C
( T smaller)

Coarse pearlite formed at higher temperatures relatively soft

Fine pearlite
formed at lower temperatures relatively hard

Nucleation and Growth

Rate is a result of nucleation and growth of crystals.

Examples:

Fraction transformed, y

Rate of Phase Transformation

transformation complete

Fixed T

maximum rate reached now amount

unconverted decreases so rate slows

0.5

t0.5

rate increases as surface area increases

& nuclei grow

log t

Avrami equation => y = 1- exp (-kt n)

fraction
transformed
By convention

Fraction
transformed
depends on
time

time

rate = 1 / t0.5

Avrami relationship - the rate is defined as the inverse of the time to complete half of the
transformation. This describes most solid-state transformations that involve diffusion.6

Temperature Dependence of
Transformation Rate
135 C 119 C

10

113 C 102 C

88 C

102

In general, rate increases as T

r = 1/t0.5 = A e -Q/RT

R = gas constant
T = temperature (K)
A = preexponential rate factor
Q = activation energy

r is often small so equilibrium is not possible.

43 C

104
Adapted from Fig. 10.11,
Callister 7e. (Fig. 10.11
adapted from B.F. Decker and
D. Harker, "Recrystallization in
Rolled Copper", Trans AIME,
188, 1950, p. 888.)

Arrhenius expression

Generation of Isothermal Transformation Diagrams

Consider:

% transformed

The Fe-Fe3C system, for Co = 0.76 wt% C

A transformation temperature of 675 C.
100

T = 675C
50
0

10 2

T(C)

Austenite (stable)

10 4

time (s)
TE (727 C)

700

Austenite
(unstable)

600

Pearlite
isothermal transformation at 675C

500
400
1

10

10 2 10 3 10 4 10 5

time (s)

Isothermal Transformation Diagrams

2 solid curves are plotted:
one represents the time
required at each
temperature for the start of
the transformation;
the other is for
transformation completion.
The dashed curve
corresponds to 50%
completion.
The austenite to pearlite
transformation will occur
only if the alloy is
supercooled to below the
eutectoid temperature
(727C).
Time for process to complete
depends on the temperature.

Isothermal Transformation Diagram

Eutectoid iron-carbon alloy; composition, Co = 0.76 wt% C
Begin at T > 727C
Rapidly cool to 625C and hold isothermally.

Austenite-to-Pearlite

Continuous cooling
diagram for a 4340 steel
alloy and several cooling
curves superimposed.
This demonstrates the
dependence of the final
microstructure on the
transformations that
occur during cooling.
Alloying elements used to
modify the critical cooling
rate for martensite are
chromium, nickel,
molybdenum,
manganese, silicon and
tungsten.

Rockwell C and Brinell Hardness

Hardness versus tempering time for a water-quenched eutectoid plain carbon steel (1080) that
has been rapidly quenched to form martensite.

In commercial alloy steels, which are multi component systems, alloying elements
can be found
(1) in the free state;
(2) as intermetallic compounds with iron or with each other; ZrFe2, Zr3Fe, FeZn
phases
(3) as oxides, sulfides, and other nonmetal inclusions;
(4) in the carbide phase as a solution in cementite or in the form of independent
compounds with carbon (special carbides); or
(5) as a solution in iron.
Generally hardenability is determined by the distance below the surface at which
50% M + (25%B + 25%P) or 50HRC is obtained. And hardenability depends on:
Carbon content.
The amount of alloying elements dissolved in austenite during the austenitizing
treatment.
The austenite grain size.