Influence of Carbide Formation on Tensile and Fatigue Properties of Carburized Steels

The influence of carbide formation on mechanical properties has been investigated in carburized steels. Through controlled diffusion and precipitation processes, the morphologies of carbides could be changed and then fine, networked, and spherical shapes at carburized layers were obtained. These morphological changes affected tensile and bending fatigue properties of the steel. The fine and the spherical carbides acted as resistance sites against crack propagation, which improved the mechanical properties. However, the networked carbides deteriorated the properties because the cracks propagated along the boundaries of them. These results indicate that the morphological control of carbides is one of important keys to improve the mechanical properties.