The characterization of borided pure tungsten

This study reports on mechanical properties of borided pure tungsten. Boronizing heat treatment was performed in a solid medium consisting of Ekabor powders at 940 degrees C for 2, 4, and 8 h. The presence of WB on the surface of pure tungsten was confirmed by XRD analysis. Metallographic studies revealed an almost uniform and compact boride layer on the surface of the pure tungsten. The thickness of boride layer ranged from 10 to 42 mu m with some scatters. The hardness of borided specimens decreased with the distance from the surface to the interior of the test material. The hardness of the boride on the substrate was 2500 HV while the hardness of the substrate was 445 HV. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved