Development of Multi-Component B-C-N Diffusion Coating on Wrought AISI M2 High-Speed Steel Substrate

Abstract

The present investigation has been carried out to study the microstructure evolution and microhardness of the multi-component B–C–N diffusion coatings developed on wrought AISI M2 high-speed steel substrate at 560 and 650 °C for 1 and 4 h for both temperatures. The microstructure of the coatings was studied using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersion spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Vickers microhardness measurements were also performed. The investigations showed that varying conditions of the thermochemical treatment resulted in a variety of coatings which exhibited varying microstructure, phase composition and microhardness.