The Effect of Thermo Reactive Diffusion (TRD) Processing Time with Ferrochromium Powder on Carbide Layer Characteristics on SUJ 2 Tool Steel Substrate

In this study, the formation of chromium carbide layer on SUJ 2 tool steel substrate as a surface treatment by thermo reactive diffusion process with pack cementation method was observed. The powder used are Al₂O₃, NH₄CL, and FeCr as carbide forming elements with the composition of 37%, 3%, 60% for each. TRD process performed in rotating vacuum furnace for 4, 6, and 8 hours on 980°C. The results show time variation effects on the carbide layer. Thickenss carbide layer on SUJ2 after TRD process observed by Optical Microscope. The morphology of carbide layer observed with SEM shows a smooth and dense layer with almost no porosity formed. Cr₂₃C₆ and Cr₇C₃ found on the layer by XRD and hardness value obtained using Vickers microhardness testing for each samples are 1738.62, 1738.72, and 1739.64 HV. The wear rates are inversely proportional with the hardness value where the values are 0.000698, 0.000658, and 0.000627 mm³/m.