Optimization of boriding process on AISI 1015 steel using response surface methodology

ABSTRACT

The goal of this study is to increase the impact toughness of the borided steel without much compromising the surface microhardness. An optimization technique known as Response Surface Methodology was employed to achieve the goal of this work. The pack borided specimens at optimized conditions were analyzed in terms of microstructure, microhardness, XRD, and Impact toughness and compared with borided specimens treated for 950°C for 180minutes. The poly-phase iron borides zone, transition zone, and base metal were all evident. In the iron borides zone, the microhardness was 1745HV, then 345HV in the transition zone, and lastly 245HV in the matrix area. The XRD technique was used to identify the growth of Fe₂B and FeB phases. The impact toughness was 44.182 J when the specimens treated at optimized conditions.

Keywords
Steel; Boriding; Toughness, Optimization; Hardness; Microstructure