Martensite

Martensite – is a microstructure of acicular (lamellar) as well as rack(batch) type, observed in hardened metal alloys and in some pure metals characterized by polymorphism. Martensite – the main structural component of hardened steel. It represents supersaturated solid solution of carbon in α-iron of the same concentration as in original austenite. The metals and alloys memory effect associated with the transformation of martensite upon heating and cooling.