Pack-cyaniding: A Comparative Study of Low and High-Temperature Treatment
K. J. Akinluwade *
Department of Research and Development, Prototype Engineering Development Institute, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Ilesa 233036, Nigeria and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220282, Nigeria.
A. L. Rominiyi
Department of Research and Development, Prototype Engineering Development Institute, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Ilesa 233036, Nigeria and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220282, Nigeria.
D. A. Isadare
Department of Research and Development, Prototype Engineering Development Institute, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Ilesa 233036, Nigeria and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220282, Nigeria.
A. R. Adetunji
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220282, Nigeria.
M. O. Adeoye
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220282, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study made a comparison between low and high-temperature pack cyaniding. Specific focus includes microstructure, surface hardness and case depth of treated samples. Standard specimens machined from mild steel were pack cyanided at 550°C (low temperature) and 950°C (high temperature) using processed cassava leaves with BaCO3 energizer and BaCl2 activator. The heat-treated samples were subjected to micro-examination with a LECO ASTM E384 Microhardness tester, Olympus BH-2 Advanced Optical Microscope and a Cam Scan Series 2 Scanning Electron Microscope. Results from these tests formed the basis for comparison.
Keywords: Clean technology, cassava leaves, pack-cyaniding, microstructure, cyanide, diffusion