Effects of Various Quenching Media on the Mechanical Properties of Inter – Critically Annealed 0.267%C – 0.83% Mn Steel
Joshua T.O1, Alao O.A2, Oluyori R.T3
1Joshua T.O, Department of Metallurgical Engineering, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.
2Alao O.A, Department of Foundry Technology, Federal Polytechnic Idah, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.
3Oluyori R.T, Department of Metallurgical Engineering, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.
Manuscript received on July 20, 2014. | Revised Manuscript received on August 09, 2014. | Manuscript published on August 30, 2014. | PP: 121-127  | Volume-3 Issue-6, August 2014.  | Retrieval Number:  F3333083614/2013©BEIESP

Open Access | Ethics and Policies | Cite
© The Authors. Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

Abstract: The mechanical properties of a medium carbon steel of known composition after been subjected to various quenching media at various inter – critical temperatures were evaluated. The microstructures obtained were used to explain the results. Tensile test specimens were produced from the medium carbon steel, which was in the as – rolled condition. Samples were quenched in water, distilled water and palm kernel oil respectively after been allowed to attain the following inter – critical temperatures 7600 c, 7700 c, 7800 c, 7900 c, 8000 c. After each treatment, the mechanical properties and microstructures of each specimen were evaluated. Samples quenched in water and distilled water were observed to produce martensitic structures in ferrite matrix, just that the grains observed in the distilled water quenched samples were fine and hence responsible for the higher strength and hardness values. While the samples quenched in palm kernel oil were observed to produce higher level of bainite in ferrite at the grain boundaries. These results therefore implies that for higher strength and hardness value, samples are recommended to be quenched in distilled water, while for strength and toughness palm kernel oil will be the best.
Keywords: Mechanical Properties, Medium Carbon Steel, Quenching media.