Abstract: With an electric field during austenitizing, the martensite transformation of the low carbon steel was promoted, and more martensite were obtained. The electric field promotes the homogeneity of carbon, and reduces the free energy of austenite. The critical neuclus r^* and the critical driving force G^* responsible for the nucleation of proeutectoid ferrite were increased. As a result of which the diffusion controlled proeuctoid ferrite transformation was retarded and the hardenability was improved.

Key words: austenization, electric field, proeutectoid ferrite