Growth kinetics and mechanical properties of Fe2B layers formed on AISI D2 steel

In the present study, the growth kinetics and mechanical properties of Fe2B layers formed on the AISI D2 steel are investigated. A mathematical model for studying the growth kinetics of Fe2B layers on the AISI D2 steel is proposed for the powder-pack boriding. This process is carried out in the temperature range of 1123-1273 K for treatment time ranging from 2 to 8 h. This kinetic model is based on solving the mass balance equation at the (Fe2B/ substrate) interface to evaluate the boron diffusion coefficients through the Fe2B layers in the temperature range of 1123-1273 K. The formed boride layers are characterized by different experimental techniques such as light optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, XRD analysis and the Daimler-Benz Rockwell-C indentation technique. A tribological characterization is also performed using a Plint TE77 tribometer under dry sliding conditions. The boron activation energy for the AISI D2 steel is estimated as 201.5 kJ mol-1 based on our experimental results. This kinetic model is also validated by comparing the experimental Fe2B layer thickness with the predicted value at 1243 K for 5 h of treatment. A contour diagram relating the layer boride thickness to the boriding parameters is suggested to be used in practical applications.