Sorbite is a chemical compound used as a food preservative and sweetener. Its spelling is determined by the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈsɔːbaɪt/. This means that the first syllable is pronounced as "sor," with the "o" sound as in "four." The second syllable is pronounced as "byte," with the "y" sound as in "my" and the "e" as in "pet." The "t" at the end is pronounced as a hard "t" sound. Therefore, the correct pronunciation of Sorbite is "Sor-Bite."
Sorbite is a term primarily used in metallurgy and materials science to describe a microstructure or crystal structure that forms during the cooling process of certain alloys, particularly steel. It refers to a specific composition of iron and carbon present in the alloy that has been heat-treated and subsequently cooled slowly.
Sorbite is characterized by its fine and uniform distribution of cementite particles within a matrix of ferrite. These cementite particles are typically elongated and uniformly distributed throughout the structure. The formation of sorbite occurs in the temperature range between the upper critical temperature and the lower critical temperature during the cooling process.
The presence of sorbite in alloys provides them with improved mechanical properties, such as increased strength and hardness. This microstructure also enhances the alloy's resistance to wear and fatigue. Due to its refined and uniform structure, sorbite is often desirable in many engineering applications, as it can contribute to improved performance and reliability.
The formation of sorbite is influenced by various factors, including the composition of the alloy, the cooling rate, and the heat treatment process. Different heat treatment methods, such as annealing, quenching, or tempering, can be employed to produce sorbite microstructures with specific properties tailored to meet specific industrial requirements.
In summary, sorbite refers to a microstructure found in heat-treated and slowly cooled alloys, characterized by a fine distribution of cementite particles within a ferrite matrix. Its presence can enhance the mechanical properties of alloys, making them more robust and durable.
A sugar isomeric with mannite and dulcite, C6H14O5 +1/2 H2O, obtained from the berries of the mountain ash, Sorbus aucuparia; it is non-fermentable, does not reduce copper salts, and is optically inactive.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "sorbite" has its origins in Latin. It comes from the Latin noun "sorbus", which means "service tree" or "sorb apple". The word "sorbite" specifically refers to a type of fruit sugar alcohol derived from the sorbitol found in certain fruits. The Latin term "sorbus" eventually gave rise to "sorbites" in Medieval Latin, which later evolved into "sorbite" in English.