pearlite

Pearlite is a layered structure found in steel and cast iron, formed when iron cools slowly from a high-temperature state. It consists of alternating thin bands of two types of iron: ferrite (softer and more flexible) and cementite (harder and brittle). This combination gives pearlitic steel a balanced mix of strength and ductility, making it useful for various applications. The formation of pearlite happens gradually, resulting in a microstructure that significantly influences the material’s mechanical properties.