Correlation between Hardenability Curves and Microstructure of a Cementation Steel Carburized in the Presence of Na2CO3 as an Energizer Material

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between the hardenability curves and microstructure of a low carbon steel after the pack carburization process. Pack carburization experiments were conducted on 1.5920 steel. Sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) was used as an energizer material during the process. Samples were carburized with the various amounts of energizer material at 925°C for different times. The case depths of carburized samples were measured using microhardness test. The results indicated that the incorporation of energizer material led to the specific changes in the case depth of cementation steel. The microstructural characterizations of the samples were also carried out in order to determine the effect of energizer material on the microstructure and hardenability curves of the pack carburized steel. Recent scientists have believed the addition of energizer materials causes to increase the case depth according to carburizing phenomenon. This study proved the case depth of steel may decrease during the carburizing process due to the decarburizing phenomenon. Also, we showed any changes in the hardenability profile refer to the formation of specific phase after the process.