Abstract
Steel T10 is a steel alloy. It is widely used in industrial applications due to its high tensile strength and good weldability. This paper focuses on the metallography of steel T10 after electrochemically sulfiding for 20 minutes at a temperature of 190 Celsius. Analytical results show that the microstructure of steel T10 consists mainly of austenite, ferrite and martensite after electro-sulfiding. The matrix structure of ferrite is largely granular and the martensite is distributed in the ferrite matrix in the form of block, striped and granular shape. In addition, there are a small amount of intermetallic compounds, such as chromium carbides and iron sulfides, formed in the grain boundaries. These intermetallic compounds provide good wear resistance and corrosion resistance to the steel T10.
Key Words：Steel T10; Electrochemically Sulfiding; Metallography
Introduction
Steel T10 is a tungsten carbide containing Steel. It is an excellent steel for many industrial uses, offering high tensile strength, good weldability and wear resistance. T10 is widely used in the automobile, aerospace and medical industries. In order to improve the properties of T10 steel, electrochemical sulfidation has become a common technology for steel treatment. This process is used to improve the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the steel.
The purpose of this study is to observe the microstructure and analyze the metallography of the T10 steel after sulfidemn and electrochemical treatment at a temperature of 190 Celsius for 20 minutes.
Experimental Methods
A T10 steel sample was obtained from a commercial supplier. The sample was then subjected to an electrochemical sulfidation process in an electrolyte solution at a temperature of 190 Celsius. The process was maintained at this temperature for 20 minutes. Following this, a metallographic examination was conducted of the T10 sample after sulfidation.
The sample was cut to a thickness of 8mm and then polished with abrasive materials such as diamond paste, alumina, and emery cloth. It was then examined under an optical microscope at 50X magnification.
Results and Discussions
The results of the metallographic examination of the T10 steel after electrochemical sulfidation, are presented in Figure 1. It can be seen that the matrix structure consists mainly of austenite, ferrite, and martensite. The ferrite matrix is granular, while the martensite appears in block, striped and granular shapes. Figure 2 shows the secondary structures in the samples. It can be seen that there are a small amount of intermetallic compounds, such as chromium carbides and iron sulfides, formed at the grain boundaries.
The presence of these intermetallic compounds provide good wear resistance and corrosion resistance to the steel T10, which is advantageous for its use in industrial applications.
Conclusion
The metallography of the T10 steel after electrochemical sulfidation for 20 minutes at a temperature of 190 Celsius was examined. The results show that the microstructure of steel T10 consists mainly of austenite, ferrite and martensite after electrochemical sulfidation. In addition, there are some intermetallic compounds, such as chromium carbides and iron sulfides, formed at the grain boundaries which provide good wear resistance and corrosion resistance to the steel. This makes T10 a beneficial material for numerous industrial applications.
