Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

pearlite

noun

/ˈpərˌlīt/

Definition

A mixture of two phases of steel or iron, primarily consisting of ferrite and cementite (iron carbide) that occurs during the cooling of iron-carbon alloys.

Examples

Pearlite is commonly formed when steel cools down slowly from austenite.
The strength of the material can be influenced by the amount of pearlite present in the microstructure.
In some applications, a fine pearlite structure is preferred for its balance of hardness and ductility.