Abstract
In this work, AISI M2 and AISI H13 steels were treated at 1000°C in molten borax containing dissolved ferroniobium and aluminium. Durations of treatment were 4 and 9 h for AISI H13 steel and 4 h for AISI M2 steel. Samples were characterised by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, microabrasive wear test and Vickers microhardness. Well defined layers were obtained with excellent thickness regularity. AISI H13 steel revealed layers that measured 6·2 μm for treatment lasting 4 h and 10·0 μm for treatment lasting 9 h. The AISI M2 steel was treated for 4 h, and the layer thickness obtained measured 9·0 μm. SEM with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry results showed a predominance of niobium and absence of iron in the layers on both types of steel. These layers consisted of niobium carbide according to X-ray analyses, and its microhardness values were about 2300 HV.
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