Effects of Boron Addition on the Graphitization Behavior in High Carbon Steel

고탄소강의 흑연화거동에 미치는 B첨가의 영향

The graphitization is affected by the addition of small amount of the elements, such as Si, Al, Ni, B, Cr and Mn etc. Boron is well known as the most effective element for the graphitization of cementite in high carbon steels. But a study on quantitative analysis of B effect on the graphitization is few reported. Therefore the effect of boron addition in Fe-0.65%C-1.0%Si-0.5%Mn steels on the graphitization is investigated quantitatively using hardness tester, optical microscope and scanning electron microscope, neutron induced microscopic radiography. The graphitization in high carbon steels is promoted with 0.003~0.005%B addition. But the graphitization in steels which has no boron takes long holding time at $680{\sim}720^{\circ}C$. The hardness of quenched steel containing 0.003%B is higher than that of 0.005%B added steel due to complete dissolution of fine graphites into the austenite. The 0.003%B added high carbon steel graphitized at $680^{\circ}C$ for 25hr is useful steel for the agricultural implements and automobile parts which needed a good formability and high hardness.