martensite
/ˈmɑːtɪnzʌɪt
/noun [mass noun] Metallurgy
A hard and very brittle solid solution of carbon in iron that is the main constituent of hardened steel.The martensite of quenched tool steel is exceedingly brittle and highly stressed....
- Trip steels have a microstructure with retained austenite, ferrite and martensite.
- The ability of steel to form martensite on quenching is referred to as the hardenability.
Derivatives
martensitic
- The swirler is formed of a powder sintered compact of martensitic stainless steel having corrosion resistance and wear resistance.
- The martensitic stainless steels are hardenable by heat treatment and are magnetic.
- Exceptions include highly alloyed ferritic stainless steels, some of the martensitic stainless steels, and a few of the free-machining grades.
Origin
Late 19th century: named after Adolf Martens (1850–1914), German metallurgist, + -ite1.