Characterization of Waste-Integrated Multi-hybrid Structure for Enhancing Corrosion Resistance of High-Carbon Steel

Abstract

Due to their exceptional properties, low-cost high-carbon steels have long been extensively utilized in many industrial applications. However, their corrosion resistance is poor for many applications and requires further enhancement. Various methods have been developed to achieve this, but they suffer from some limitations. In the work presented herein, a single-stage heat treatment process was applied at low temperature and utilizing waste materials for comparison as new resources, being shown to be a cost-effective approach. In the framework of this study, a multi-hybrid coating structure was developed on the surface of high-carbon steel by applying a single-step heat treatment process and utilizing various waste materials, namely metallurgical slag, glass, and automotive shredder residue (ASR). The results reveal that not only was the process completed in a short time but significant enhancements in the corrosion resistance and hardness performance were achieved. Analyses were performed by high-resolution laser scanning confocal microscopy, electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) in peak force quantitative nanomechanical (PF-QNM) mode. The electrochemical corrosion performance was tested using Tafel method. Both the Young’s modulus and corrosion resistance of the steels treated using the waste materials were improved compared with the base material. This approach opens a new perspective for utilizing waste materials to obtain environmentally sustainable products in a cost-effective fashion, thereby reducing reliance on new resources as well as disposal of waste materials in landfill.