A concise model for mixed-mode phase transformations in the solid state

Abstract Using a Zener-like approach, the character of partitioning mixed-mode phase transformations in the solid state is shown to be governed by a single parameter Z . The parameter is proportional to the diffusivity of the partitioning element and the area-to-volume ratio of the growing grain, and inversely proportional to the interface mobility and to the driving pressure per unit of concentration difference. A value Z =0 implies a diffusion-controlled transformation, for Z →∞ the transformation is interface-controlled. The significance of the parameter, both for the character of the transformation and for the transformation kinetics, is shown by the example of the austenite-to-ferrite transformation in iron-carbon alloys. A remarkable outcome is that all phase transformations start as an interface-controlled transformation and with proceeding growth of the newly forming phase gradually shift towards diffusion control. This gradual change in transformation character is accompanied by a gradual decrease of the interface velocity.