The study on high temperature degradation of AISI 1020 low carbon steel in the carburization state

Abstract

This research was aimed to study the high temperature degradation of AISI 1020 carbon steel pipe under the carburizing atmosphere. This environment was prepared by a mix of powdered charcoal and CaCO3 catalysts and then simulated at temperature of 1000C for 1, 2 and 4 hours. The variation in the weight of the aged steel specimens was obtained by the measured metal loss at various working periods. The light optical microscope was used to observe the microstructural changes of aged steel samples. The results revealed that the prolonged operating period decreases the weight of samples and the degradation occurs on the outer surface of the pipes. The study also indicated the microstructural difference between the inner and outer wall of the steel pipe, which is resulted from the changes in chemical compositions during the carburizing process.