Wear Performance of Boronized Layer of Iron-based Powder Metallurgy Materials

Abstract

Iron-based specimens with boronized layers were prepared by boriding at 800 ℃, 900 ℃ and 1000 ℃ for 3, 5, and 7 hours, respectively. The thickness, microstructure, surface roughness, friction, and wear performance were studied. Results showed that the process parameters such as temperature, the time of boriding have remarkable impact on the thickness of the boronized layer. Dual-phase was generated at 1000 ℃ which lead to increased brittleness, lower surface hardness, and decreased adhesion to the substrate. Compared with specimens boronized at 1000 ℃ and 800 ℃, the surface structure of the boronized layer of specimens boronized at 900 ℃ is denser and uniform, the wear track is not damaged. The average friction coefficient and mass loss by wear of specimens boronized at 900 °C are smaller than that of boronized at 1000 ℃ and 800 ℃, indicating that specimens borided at 900 ℃ behave excellent friction and wear performance.