Boriding of inconel 718 superalloy using different methods

In this research, Inconel 718 superalloy was boronized by Pack-Boriding (PB) and Plasma Paste Boriding (PPB) methods. PB with EKabor2 was processed at 850°C, 900°C and 950°C for 2, 4 and 6 hours and, PPB with 100% dehydrated borax was processed at 700°C and 750°C for 2 and 4 hours. The characterization of the obtained boride layers was carried out by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, X-ray, microhardness test and wear tests. Wear tests were applied against WC-Co ball with 0,3 m/s sliding speed, 10 N load and 300 meters sliding distance with ball-on-disc. The hardness values of the obtained boride layers were determined by applying 50 g load for 10 seconds. As a result of characterization studies, it was found that the boride layer thicknesses and microhardness values formed on the surface of both PB and PPB samples increased due to the increase in boriding temperature and boriding time, which improved their wear resistance. Although the boriding process showed better wear resistance than the untreated sample under all experimental conditions, it was found that the wear resistance of the PPB process was better than the PB process. As a result of the boronization process, the microhardness of the PB samples is between 1181 and 1763 HV0,05, the wear rate is between 361,94 and 227,12x10-6 mm3 / Nm, the microhardness values of the PPB samples are 1679-1978 HV0,05, the wear rate is between 234,45 to 117,23x10-6 mm3 / Nm.