Effect of boronizing temperature and time on microstructure and abrasion wear resistance of Cr12Mn2V2 high chromium cast iron

In this study, Cr12Mn2V2 high chromium cast iron (HCCI) was boronized at 900 °C and 950 °C for 2, 4, 6, and 8 h, respectively. The borided samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), microhardness tester and ring-on-block wear tester in terms of the phase composition, microstructure and worn surface morphology, microhardness, fracture toughness and abrasive wear resistance. The boride layer thickness ranges from 8 to 33 µm. XRD studies show the boride layer formed at 950 °C/8 h consists of the phases FeB, Fe2B and CrB, while for the layer formed at 900 °C/8 h, consists of mainly the Fe2B phase. Abrasive wear test results show that the relative wear resistance of the borided HCCIs increases with increasing surface microhardness.