DETERMINATION OF THIN FILM'S MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

• Hardness of the boride layer can be retained at higher temperatures than, for example,that of nitrided cases.• A wide variety of steels, including through-hardenable steels, are compatible with theprocesses (Mater. Eng, 1970)• Boriding, which can considerably enhance the corrosion-erosion resistance of ferrousmaterials in nonoxidizing dilute acids as indicated in chapter two Fig. 2.4 and alkalimedia, is increasingly used to this advantage in many industrial applications (W.J.G.Fichtl).• Borided surfaces have moderate oxidation resistance (up to 850) and are quite resistantto attack by molten metals.• Borided parts have an increased fatigue life and service performance under oxidizingand corrosive and corrosive environment.After pack boriding process, multilayer diffusion phases (FeB and Fe 2 B) formed onsteel substrate. The structural compositions of layers consist of boron rich phase (FeB)and iron rich phase (Fe 2 B), respectively. FeB formation begins from surface, Fe 2 B phaseforms in deeper region because of decreasing boron concentration form surface to insideof substrate. Upper part of multilayer consists of FeB phase which is more brittle thanlower layer (Fe 2 B).Mechanical properties (Young’s modulus, Hardness, Yield strength) of FeB layer aredifficult to characterize through uniaxial or other standard tests. So, micro indentation methodbecame useful for determination of mechanical properties of layers.2. Experimental StudiesX-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of FeB layers were determined by means of multipurpose Rigaku D/Max-2200/PC Model diffractometer with a Cu K α radiation by using multipurpose thin film attachment. Measurements were performed by applying 40 kV voltages and36 mA current. The surface morphologies of FeB and Fe 2 B layers were examined by aScanning Electron Microscope (JEOL-JSM 6060 SEM) with an Energy Dispersive X-rayspectroscopy (IXRF System EDS) system attachment. Accelerating voltage of 20 kV was