The Diffusion Treatment of PM Parts with Boron, Silicon, Chromium, and Carbon

Abstract

The diffusion treatment with boron, silicon, and chromium as applied to wrought steels has been applied to sintered steels, and compared with the well-known diffusion treatments with carbon. The boronizing treatment is shown to improve wear resistance considerably without loss of mechanical properties, at least according to bending tests. Siliconizing and chromizing are shown to be possible, the latter producing improved corrosion resistance. The importance of the density and composition of sintered parts is illustrated, with particular reference to carburized and hardened parts and the dimensional changes and mechanical property changes which occur with the diffusion treatment.