Characteristics of ASTM A36 steel mechanical properties in pack carburizing with carburizing agent coconut shell charcoal and goat bone powder mixed

Abstract

In the study the specimens were ASTM A36 low carbon steel pack carburizing at 950℃, soaking time variations of 1, 2 and 3 hours. The carburizing agent is a mixture of coconut shell charcoal and goat bone powder (Capra aegagrus hircus). The size of the powder is 100 mesh, with variations in weight percentage between goat bone powder and coconut shell charcoal: 10%:90%, 20% : 80%, and 30% : 70%. Furthermore, the impact test, hardness, microstructure test and composition test were carried out, to determine the mechanical properties of the specimens. The results of the study show, soaking time and the composition of the carburizing agent affect the mechanical properties of the specimen The lowest impact toughness of 0,0576 joules/mm2 was obtained by the specimen at a soaking time of 1 hour, the composition of the carburizing agent (% wt goat bone powder: coconut shell charcoal) 20% : 80%. The highest surface hardness value was 854.734 Kg/mm2 at 3 hours soaking time with 10%:90% carburizing media composition. The results of microstructure observations showed that in specimens treated with pack carburizing ferrite structure, pearlite turned into martensite.