Particle size distribution analysis of carburized HT250 gray cast iron using ImageJ

Abstract

The study focused on the particle size analyses of a carburized HT250 gray cast iron using ImageJ software to understand the pattern of carbon diffusion after the carburization process. Pulverized pal kernel shell was deployed in the carburization of several samples of the grey cast iron after which the samples were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM) to study the microstructure of each sample. More so, ImageJ was equally deployed in the analyses of the SEM microstructures to understand the diffusion patterns of the carbon from the pulverized palm kernel shell so as to predict their structural behavior when deployed in fabrication process. Some of the important features from the ImageJ include Surface Plot, Interactive 3D surface plot and Intensity thresholding. The result showed the various diffusion patterns of carbon into the parent material. Thus, this result will help in the field of material science on the best method of material processing for adequate mechanical and structural properties.