Eutectoid transformation occurs when a solid solution decomposes into a fixed two solid constituents at a fixed temperature. When a liquid decomposes in the same way, an analogous eutectic transformation occurs. The eutectic is a mixture of two or more elements which has a lower melting point than any of its constituents. ...

The iron-carbon eutectoid is the paradigm example. Here, the austenite phase breaks down to produce ferrite and cementite (iron carbide) at about 0.6% carbon and 723°C. As for eutectic transformations, the result is often a lamellar structure such as pearlite or bainite. Alloys of nearly eutectoid composition are called high-carbon steel, while those which do not undergo eutectoid transformation are termed mild steel. General Name, Symbol, Number iron, Fe, 26 Chemical series transition metal Group, Period, Block 8 (VIIIB), 4 , d Density, Hardness 7874 kg/m3, 4. ... General Name, Symbol, Number Carbon, C, 6 Chemical series Nonmetals Group, Period, Block 14 (IVA), 2, p Density, Hardness 2267 kg/m3 0. ... For alternative meanings see Paradigm (disambiguation). ... Austenite is a solid solution of carbon and iron that exists in steel above the critical temperature of 1333°F (about 723°C). ... Ferrites are ferromagnetic ceramic materials, compounds of iron, boron and barium or strontium or molybdenum. ... Cementite or iron carbide is a chemical compound with the formula Fe3C. It is a hard, brittle component of carbon steel, with orthorhombic crystals, and forms from austenite during cooling. ... Cementite or iron carbide is a chemical compound with the formula Fe3C. It is a hard, brittle component of carbon steel, with orthorhombic crystals, and forms from austenite during cooling. ... Pearlite is a two-phased, lamellar structure composed of alternating layers of ferrite (88 wt%) and cementite (12%) that occurs in steel. ... A very fine microstructure, bainite usually consists of ferrite and cementite (similar in constitution to pearlite, but with the ferrite forming by a displacive mechanism similar to martensite formation). ...