Chemical spinodal in the austenite-cementite system

Spinodal stratification (decomposition) is possible in carbon-saturated aus tenite. In principle, the same phenomenon is possible at, another corner of the Fe-Fe3C phase diagram, in unstable carbon-depleted cementite, through its conversion to two-phase baikovite. Spinodal decomposition of supercoole d austenite is also possible as the initial stage of its isothermal convers ion to bainite, especially bainite of ausferrite type. With conversion from isothermal bainite quenching to preliminary wetting of the metal and the o mission of the salt quenching baths, spinodal decomposition is evidently th e basic reason for the abbreviation of the subsequent bainitic decompositio n.