What is the significance of the iron-carbon phase diagram in steel production?

The iron-carbon phase diagram is crucial for understanding and controlling the properties of steel because:

Phases Formation: It shows at what temperatures and compositions different phases like ferrite, austenite, cementite, pearlite, etc., form. This is vital for predicting the microstructure that will result from different heat treatments.
Heat Treatment: The diagram helps in determining how to achieve specific hardness, toughness, or ductility by manipulating the phase transformations through heating and cooling processes.
Alloy Design: Understanding this diagram aids in designing new steel grades by predicting how adding carbon or other elements will affect the phase stability and properties.

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