Unveiling high-performance carburized mild steel using coconut shell ash and CaCO3 nanoparticles derived from periwinkle shell

Abstract

The surface hardening of mild steel by carburization using periwinkle shell nanoparticles (PWSnp) and coconut shell (CS) was investigated. The carburization was done at 850, 900, and 950 °C with a ratio of PWSnp:CS of 1:9, 2:8, and 3:7. The case depth, hardness values, wear, and corrosion rates were determined. A 114.1% increment in the hardness values, a corrosion protection efficiency of 92.58%, and a 45.67% wear resistance of the mild steel were obtained at 3:7 PWSnp: CS and 950 °C. The development of a passive layer that enveloped the sample and shielded it from further corrosion assaults was responsible for the excellent protection efficacy of the carburized sample. It was established that waste periwinkle shell and coconut shell can be used for surface hardening of mild steel.