Description
The control of surface carbon heat treating in the gamma (g) phase field is well documented and understood. For example, carburizing case depths and hardness at above-critical temperatures (>820°C) can be accurately predicted using readily available thermodynamic and diffusivity data. This paper addresses the control of surface carbon during intercritical and subcritical spheroidize annealing in protective furnace atmospheres consisting of N2, CO, CO2, H2 and H2O (endo based). Thermodynamic and empirical data are used to predict operating conditions.
