Microestructural evolution and artificial aging data for AISI1020 and 1045 steels at 500 °C
Description
This dataset contains micrographs documenting the microstructural evolution and thermal stability of commercial AISI 1020 (low-carbon) and AISI 1045 (medium-carbon) steels subjected to artificial aging at 500 °C. The main objective of this experiment is to evaluate the morphological behavior and phase stability of the pearlitic and ferritic structures over prolonged artificial aging intervals, without reaching complete spheroidization. Dataset Content & Interpretation: The images illustrate the microstructural state at different artificial aging steps, capturing changes such as minor lamellar thickening, carbon diffusion, or ferrite grain growth. The pearlite colonies retain their overall lamellar nature across the timeline. High-resolution files are provided in TIFF format, suitable for digital image analysis.
Files
Steps to reproduce
Experimental Conditions: - Materials: AISI 1020 steel (ferritic-pearlitic matrix) and AISI 1045 steel (pearlitic-ferritic matrix). - Heat Treatment: Artificial aging at 500 °C (constant isothermal holding below the A1 eutectoid temperature). - Aging Times: 0 h (as-received / baseline state), 500 h, 1000 h, and 1500 h. - Metallographic Preparation: Standard mechanical polishing and chemical etching using Nital (2% or 3%) to reveal ferrite grain boundaries and pearlite colonies.