Research on wear characteristics of AISI 1035 steel boronized at various parameters

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to research the tribological features of AISI 1035 steel, boronized at various parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

The samples were boronized via box boronizing method. By using Ekabor 2 powders, boronizing was conducted at 840, 880, 920, 960 and 1,000°C for two, four and six hours. Wear resistance of boronized samples at determined parameters were analysed. Wear experiments were conducted under 40 N constant load at pin‐on‐disk experiment setup. Also, microstructures and microhardness values of boronized samples were analysed to determine the most suitable boronizing parameters against wearing.

Findings

As a result of this study, the following findings are reported: it was determined as the temperature increased, the thicker the boride layer obtained during the boronizing. In the case of longer boronizing time, the distinct columnar structure was clearer. Whenever applying higher temperature and longer boronizing time, wear decreased and hardness values increased. It was also determined that when boronizing was conducted at 900 and 1,000°C for at least four to six hours, better results were obtained. Furthermore, the increment in the boronizing temperature and longer duration caused an increase in hardness from the surface to inwards and thus a decrease in wear ratio.

Research limitations/implications

In the present study, only 40 N is used for a wear load and that is the limitation of the research.

Practical implications

Boronizing of the parts using 900 and 1,000°C temperature and four to six hours time, the better results can be obtained. Wear resistance can be improved in the determined temperature interval for boronizing process. Therefore, the industrial firms can be gained huge economical profits.

Originality/value

The outcome of the study will be beneficial for the academicians and industrial firms working on wear process. The service life of the steel parts can be extended via boronizing of steels working on quarries.

Citation

Kiratli, N. and Findik, F. (2011), "Research on wear characteristics of AISI 1035 steel boronized at various parameters", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 63 No. 2, pp. 127-133. https://doi.org/10.1108/00368791111116366