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Carburization (often referred to as carburizing) is the name of the process by which carbon is introduced into a metal. The carbon diffused into the surface is intended to make the surface harder and more abrasion resistant. Since too great a concentration of carbon makes metal brittle and unworkable, metals are also often decarburized. Image File history File links Question_book-3. ... For other uses, see Carbon (disambiguation). ... This article is about metallic materials. ... Decarburization is the process opposite to carburization, namely aimed at decreasing the content of carbon in metals (usually steel). ...

Carburization of steel generally involves a heat treatment of the metallic surface using a gaseous, liquid, solid or plasma source of carbon. Early carburization used a direct application of charcoal packed onto the metal (initially referred to as case hardening or Kolsterising), but modern techniques apply carbon-bearing gases or plasmas (such as carbon dioxide or methane). The process depends primarily upon ambient gas composition and furnace temperature, which must be carefully controlled, as the heat may also impact the microstructure of the rest of the material. For applications where great control over gas composition is desired, carburization may take place under very low pressures in a vacuum chamber. For other uses, see Steel (disambiguation). ... Charcoal is the blackish residue consisting of impure carbon obtained by removing water and other volatile constituents from animal and vegetation substances. ... A replica Colt 1873 revolver, showing case hardening colors on the frame Case hardening or surface hardening is the process of hardening the surface of a metal, often a low carbon steel, by infusing elements into the materials surface, forming a thin layer of a harder alloy. ... Carbon dioxide is a chemical compound composed of two oxygen atoms covalently bonded to a single carbon atom. ... Methane is a chemical compound with the molecular formula CH4. ... A furnace is a device for heating air or any other fluid. ... Look up Vacuum in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

Plasma carburization is increasingly used in major industrial regimes to improve the surface characteristics (such as wear and corrosion resistance, hardness and load-bearing capacity, in addition to quality-based variables) of various metals, notably stainless steels. The process is used as it is environmentally friendly (in comparison to gaseous or solid carburizing) and thus tax deductible, as well as allowing for even treatment of components with complex geometry (the plasma can penetrate into holes and tight gaps), making it very flexible in terms of component treatment. Though it cannot be used in any Japanese-based architecture due to structural inconsistencies, it nonetheless provides a stable base of implementation for host materials. For the hazard, see corrosive. ... Look up hardness in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... The 630 foot high, stainless-clad (type 304L) Gateway Arch defines St. ...

The process of carburization works via the implantation of carbon atoms in to the surface layers of a metal. As metals are made up of atoms bound tightly into a metallic crystalline lattice, the implanted carbon atoms force their way into the crystal structure of the metal and either remain in solution (dissolved within the metal crystalline matrix — this normally occurs at lower temperatures) or react with the host metal to form ceramic carbides (normally at higher temperatures, due to the higher mobility of the host metal's atoms). Both of these mechanisms strengthen the surface of the metal, the former by causing lattice strains by virtue of the atoms being forced between those of the host metal and the latter via the formation of very hard particles that resist abrasion. However, each different hardening mechanism leads to different solutions to the initial problem: the former mechanism — known as solid solution strengthening — improves the host metals resistance to corrosion whilst imparting its increase in hardness; the latter — known as precipitation strengthening — greatly improves the hardness but normally to the detriment of the host metals corrosion resistance. Engineers using plasma carburization must decide which of the two mechanisms matches their needs. Rose des Sables (Sand Rose), formed of gypsum crystals In mineralogy and crystallography, a crystal structure is a unique arrangement of atoms in a crystal. ... Fixed Partial Denture, or Bridge The word ceramic is derived from the Greek word κεραμικός (keramikos). ... Look up strain in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

In oxy-acetylene welding, a carburizing flame is one with little oxygen, which produces a sooty, lower-temperature flame. It is often used to anneal metal, making it more malleable and flexible during the welding process. “Oxyacetylene” redirects here. ... Soot, also called lampblack, Pigment Black 7, carbon black or black carbon, is a dark powdery deposit of unburned fuel residues, usually composed mainly of amorphous carbon, that accumulates in chimneys, automobile mufflers and other surfaces exposed to smoke—especially from the combustion of carbon-rich organic fuels in the... For other uses, see Annealing. ...

Another alternative is Carbonitriding. Carbonitriding is a modification of gas carburizing, as opposed to a form of nitriding. ...

See also

• Cementation process
• Crucible steel