Abstract:

Pack-boriding was applied to AISI 304L stainless steel material at temperatures of 850, 900 and 950 °C for 2, 4 and 6 hours with microwave hybrid heating method. The morphology of the boride layer formed on the surface of the samples was examined by optical microscope, and the phases formed in the layer were determined by XRD. The analysis of the adhesive strength of the boride layer to the substrate material was carried out by the Daimler-Benz Rockwell-C adhesion test. The tests were repeated at least 3 times for each of the pack-borided samples at all process temperatures and times. After the adhesion tests, macro and SEM images of indentation traces were taken. By analysing the indentation craters, it has been determined whether the damages are acceptable or not with reference to the VDI 3198 standard. The indentation craters formed on the pack-borided AISI 304L stainless steel sample surfaces at 850 °C with microwave hybrid heating method in all process times, for 2 and 4 hours at 900 °C, and 2 hours at 950 °C have the best adhesion quality in the HF1 category of the VDI 3198 norm.

Keywords: