Comparison of CaCO3 from Natural Sources and Artificial Carbonates as Activators of Solid-Phase Carburizing of Low-Carbon Steel

The process of solid-phase carburizing of steel with the use of carbonates of different origin including chemical reagents, limestone and oyster shells is studied. The highest microhardness is obtained in the case of SrCO 3 , wheres Na 2 CO 3 is shown to be the cheapest and most economically expedient carbonate. A good carburized layer can be obtained using a mixture of limestone and oyster shells.