abstract
- © EDP Sciences, 2018. The AISI T1 steel was hardened by the solid boriding process in the temperature range 1123-1273 K for a time duration of 2 to 8 h. A kinetic model, based on the integral method, was applied to the growth of a single boride layer (Fe 2 B) at the surface of AISI T1 steel. This diffusion model has been validated experimentally by considering two additional boriding conditions. A numerical solution was then obtained after solving the set of differential algebraic equations in order to compare the experimental thicknesses of Fe 2 B layers with the predicted values. The activation energy for boron diffusion in AISI T1 steel was estimated as 212.76 kJ mol -1 and a comparison was made with other values available in the literature. The formed boride layers with a saw-tooth morphology were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction confirmed that the borided layer was composed of only Fe 2 B. The Daimler-Benz Rockwell-C indentation technique was employed to assess the cohesion of Fe 2 B layers on AISI T1 steel. In addition, the pin-on-disc and wear scratch tests were carried out for investigating the wear behaviour of borided AISI T1 steel.