strathSEEA

To analyse the effect which the carburising process had on the material, the expansion of the austenite layer has to be examined. The examination process involves several steps.

 

The phase composition and the expansion of the lattice due to the carbon diffusion can be calculated via x-ray diffraction (XRD). The change in surface roughness of each sample due to the carburising process can also be compared via roughness surface testing (RST) as can the differences in grain size.

 

Cross sectional optical microscopy can give further indication on the grain size as well as further information regarding the interactions at the grain boundaries. More detailed data regarding the compositions of each sample can be gained via use of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the use of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) produces an elemental depth composition profile. The effect that the supersaturation of carbon has on the hardness of the material can be quantified by destructive hardness testing.

 

Further details regarding the use of each analytical technique can be found below: