Effects of pack boriding temperature on wear and corrosion performance of high-strength armor steel

Surface treatments are critical in enhancing the performance and durability of materials utilized in various demanding applications. Boriding has attracted considerable attention among these treatments due to its effectiveness in improving surface hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion protection. This study systematically examines the effects of pack boriding on the microstructure, hardness, wear, and corrosion resistance of armor steel. A saw-like boride layer was established due to the treatment conducted at temperatures of 800, 900, and 1000°C. The thickness of the boride layer was found to be positively correlated with the increase in temperature. At 1000°C, the microhardness of the borided surface reached a maximum value of 3250 HV_0.02. The wear resistance of the borided specimens experienced a significant enhancement, leading to a marked reduction in volume losses. Additionally, the boriding process was observed to improve the corrosion resistance of the steel by a factor of three to four. Specimens borided at 1000°C exhibited the highest degree of corrosion resistance.