Mechanism of Formation of Vanadium Carbide Layers on Carbon Steel by Powder Packed Method

The effect of C content on the formation of V carbide layer on carbon steels by a powder packed method was investigated. The continuous duplex carbide layer consisting of an outer V2C and inner V6C5 and V8C7 layers was formed on Fe-0.7C and Fe-0.3C (in wt.%), but it was discontinuous on Fe-0.1C. Internal carbide precipitates were observed within the matrix in Fe-0.3C and -0.1C. These precipitates in Fe-0.1C were disappeared after long treatment. The inner carbide layers were confirmed to grow inwardly, which suggests that VCl2 gas can penetrate through the carbide layers to the steel substrate.

Automated summary

The effect of C content on the formation of V carbide layer on carbon steels was investigated. Higher C content promotes the formation of a continuous duplex carbide layer, while lower C content results in a discontinuous layer that disappears after prolonged treatment. The inner carbide layer grows inwardly, indicating that VCl2 gas can penetrate through the carbide layers to the steel substrate.