Microstructure and Properties of Boronized Layer Produced by Borosulphurizing Method

Abstract

In this study, 45 carbon steel was boronized and borosulphurized at 950°C for 2, 3， 4, 5, 6 and 8 h, respectively. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, optical microscope, microhardness tester and ring-on-block wear tester. It is found that the surface of borosulphurized samples was dense, compact and relatively smooth; Although the boride layers produced by boro- sulphurizing at 950°C showed a lower microhardness value compared with that produced by boronizing, the wear resistance of the borosulphurized carbon steel is higher than that of boronized sample due to formation of FeS phase in the boride layer.