Study and Properties of a Steel Microalloyed Hardened Superficially

In this study, we present a boronizing treatment on a steel microalloy that was performed according to dehydrated paste-pack boriding. The temperatures conducted were at 1173, 1223 and 1273 K; at various exposure times of 1, 3, 6 and 9 h. As a result of the boriding process, diffusion-controlled growth of the FeB/Fe2B layers was obtained at the surface of the micro-alloy steel, and the kinetics of the growth process changed parabolically over time. The results of these examination properties of the boride layer as revealed by Optical Microscopy (OP) showed the morphology of the boride layer as a saw-tooth with a thickness ranging from 33 μm to 220 μm depending on the boronizing time. The analysis of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDS); showed a distribution of the alloying elements that were detected by Energy Dispersive Spectrometry. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique indicated that the surface was a mixture of FeB and Fe2B borides. The evaluation of adhesion of the layers was determined by the technique of Rockwell-C hardness. Young’s modulus and hardness of the layer were evaluated by a nanoindentation technique with a load of 250 mN. The paste dehydrate boriding of micro-alloy reveal a change of properties on the surface; also the coatings FeB and Fe2B, to make a sacrificial function in the steels micro alloyed as widely used in pipelines transporting oil.