Improving the mechanical impact and bending resistances of enamel via B2O3 addition

Abstract

Enameled metal equipment possesses the advantages of the material strength of metal and the corrosion resistance of glass; therefore, such equipment is used extensively in industries involving chemical processes. However, the mechanical properties of enamel affect its service life. Therefore, the enhancement of the mechanical properties of enamel to extend its service life is important. To improve the mechanical impact and bending resistances of enamel, we used enameled samples with Q345R steel as a metal matrix for controlled-temperature sintering. The enameled samples were prepared using varying amounts of B2O3 in the formulation of the enamel glaze, and the mechanical impact and bending resistances of the enamel were studied via the ball impact and three-point bending methods. The results show that B2O3 addition improves the mechanical impact and bending resistances of enamel significantly, although these resistances decrease when the B2O3 content is too high. The enamel exhibits an optimal mechanical impact resistance with a B2O3 content of 2%, and an optimal bending resistance with a B2O3 content of 3%. These results provide important reference values that can be used to optimize the formulation of enamel and extend the service life of enamel equipment.