Microstructure and properties of boronizing layer of Fe-based powder metallurgy compacts prepared by boronizing and sintering simultaneously

In this study, the boronized layers were formed on the surfaces of specimens with a composition of Fe-2 wt. % Cu-0.4 wt. % C by sintering and boronizing simultaneously, using a pack boronizing method. The processes were performed in the temperature range of 1050 - 1150 oC at a holding time of 4 hours in 97 % N2 and 3 % H2 atmosphere. Scanning electron microscopy examinations showed that the boronized layers formed on the surface of boronized and sintered specimens have a denticular morphology. The thicknesses of the boronized layers varied from 63 to 208 μm depending on the processing temperature. The structures of the boronized layers were Fe2B and FeB confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The microhardness values of boronized layers ranged from 1360 to 2066 HV0.3 much higher than that of substrate hardness which was about 186 HV0.3. Wear testing results showed that the wear resistance of the boronized and sintered specimens was significantly improved, resulting from increased surface microhardness.