Boriding kinetics and mechanical properties of X65Cr14 martensitic stainless steel by pack method

Abstract

In this task, some mechanical properties and diffusion kinetics of boronized layers on X65Cr14 martensitic stainless steel were investigated. The boronization treatments were carried out at 1123, 1173, 1223 and 1323 K with 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours using the packing process. The boronized layers were characterized by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and micro-Vickers hardness tester. The boronized layers produced on X65Cr14 martensitic stainless steel exhibited smooth and regular morphology. The thickness of the boronized layer ranged from 9.1 to 98.3 μm with different treatment time and temperature. XRD analysis revealed the existence of FeB, Fe2B, and CrB compounds. The surface hardness increased from 410 to 1750-2050 HV0.05 after the boronization treatment. The activation energy of the layer was 206.53 kJ/mol.