Formation, structure and magnetism of the γ-(Fe,M)23C6 (M = Cr, Ni) phases: A first-principles study

Abstract

The γ-(Fe,M)23C6 phases constitute an important class of iron carbides. They occur both as precipitates in steels and iron alloys, thereby increasing their strength, and as common minerals in meteorites and in iron-rich parts of the Earth's mantle. Here we investigate the composition-dependent relative stability of these phases and the role of magnetism therein. The γ-(Fe,M)23C6 phases have mineral names isovite (M = Cr) and haxonite (M = Ni), and have a complex crystal structure (116 atoms in the cubic unit cell) in which the metal atoms have a rich variety of atomic coordination numbers, ranging from 12 to 16. First-principles calculations show a narrow formation range for γ-(Fe1−xNix)23C6 (x = 0–0.043), while the formation range for γ-(Fe1−xCrx)23C6 is very broad (x = 0–0.85), in good agreement with available experimental data. The present study also shows the importance of magnetism on the formation and stability of these compounds. The conditions of formation and several factors enhancing or hampering the formation of γ-(Fe,M)23C6 in man-made steels and in meteorites are discussed.