Effect of ferrite-pearlite microstructure on structural steel properties.

A comprehensive study is provided for the effect of a ferrite-pearlite microstructure with a pearlite content from 0 to 100% on the main operating properties of structural steel, including fracture toughness and ductility, brittle failure resistance, and crack resistance. It is found that an increase in carbon content is accompanied by rapid ferrite grain refinement. It is confirmed that an increase in pearlite content in a microstructure, especially above 20% has a marked, but not always favorable effect on all steel deformation and failure characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]