
Heat treatment of
steels
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Wear resistance treatments
In addition to the surface hardening treatments, there are a number of other
treatments which can be applied to surfaces to reduce wear.
1 Siliconizing - this process is used with low carbon, medium carbon and
unalloyed steels. Silicon dissolves in iron at a temperature of about 1000°C
to form a solid solution. Surfaces exposed to the silicon acquire a low
coefficient of friction and can retain some lubricant. Adhesive wear is thus
reduced. The process, however, involves high temperatures and the
surface is not suitable where high pressures are involved, e.g. ball bearings.
2 Sulfinuz