Characterisation of Steel Composites Produced by the Damascus Technique

Abstract

The Damascus technique is a manufacturing process where steels with different compositions, in particular the carbon content, are forge welded. Materials with contrary properties are generated by different carbon additions: e.g., substantial toughness and elongation are combined with high tensile strength and hardness. Since the 3rdcentury AD blades and weapons have been produced by this technique in Europe.In this work various Damascus steels with different compositions were investigated by means of metallographic methods. The focus is set on the interface between individual steel layers. While the majority of interfaces look uniform and are influenced only by carbon diffusion, some areas show the enclosement of oxides and slag stringers as a result of faulty workmanship during the forge welding process.After metallographic preparation the various microstructures were characterised by light optical microscopy and confirmed by Vicker´s microhardness measurements.