MICROSTRUCTURE EVOLUTION AND CORROSION PROPERTY OF MEDIUM-CARBON ALLOY STEEL AFTER HIGH-TEMPERATURE CARBURIZATION PROCESS

In the present study, the effects of carburization treatment on the microstructure and corrosion property of medium-carbon steels (40Cr) were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron microprobe analyzer (EMPA), optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and electrochemical corrosion, respectively. It was found that the microstructures beneath the surface were refined and a smooth transition microstructure from the surface to the core was observed in carburized samples. The fine plate-like but not granular carbide precipitation (Cr7C3) was observed in carburized sample by heat-treatment. The carburized specimens exhibited some effectiveness in the improvement of hardness and a smooth transition hardness profile. Corrosion resistance of 40Cr was improved by carburization treatment, resulting in the higher self-corrosion potential and the lower self-corrosion current density.