Carburization and Decarburization Determination

Carburization is a process that carbon is absorbed into steel or alloy during operation in a high temperature environment containing CO, or CH₄ or other hydrocarbon gases, such as ethane (C₂H₆), propane (C₃H₈). The increase of carbon content results in a loss of toughness and resistance against corrosion and creep, as well as an increased susceptibility to cracking type failures.

Decarburization is a process that reduces the amount of carbon constituents in a material (usually steels). Decarburization occurs at high temperatures at which carbon diffuses out of the metal and the metal becomes more susceptible to absorbing hydrogen and oxygen gases. The decrease of carbon content may have many adverse effects including reduced ductility, strength and hardness, decreased wear resistance and increased susceptibility of crack initiation.

STEMart uses various methods to detect the presence of carburization and decarburization in metal materials and assess their influence on hardness, residual stresses, and fatigue and fracture behaviors.

Test Methods

• Carburization determination
  • Eddy current testing
  • Ultrasonic testing
  • Radiographic testing
• Decarburization determination
  • Free-ferrite layer depth measurement
  • Partial decarburization depth measurement
  • Microhardness testing

For more information about our carburization and decarburization determination services, please contact us.