FACULTY OF MECHANICAL AND AUTOMOTIVE

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

BTD1123 ENGINEERING MATERIALS

Sem 2023/2024

Report title:
STEEL HEAT TREATMENT – QUENCHING

NO GROUP MEMBER STUDEND ID SIGNATURE

1 MUHAMMAD AMIRUL WAQIUDDIN TL23026

BIN MAT NASIR
2 APENENE GEDEON PRUNEL TM23001
3 MUHAMMAD TAUFIQ AFENDI BIN TM23009
PONIRAN
4 MOHAMMAD HAZIQ BIN JEFERI TM23012
1 .0 INTRODUCTION

Heat treatment is an indispensable series of operations within the realm of metallurgy, involving the
deliberate heating and subsequent cooling of metals in their solid state. The primary objective of this
intricate process is to induce a transformation in one or more mechanical properties, thereby rendering
the metal more advantageous, durable, and safe for its intended purpose. Through heat treatment, metals
can be imbued with heightened hardness, increased strength, and enhanced resistance to impacts.
Conversely, this versatile method is equally adept at rendering a metal softer and more ductile,
underscoring its ability to cater to a diverse array of material requirements.

It is important to recognize that no singular heat-treatment operation can endow a metal with all these
desirable characteristics simultaneously. In fact, the enhancement of certain properties often comes at
the cost of others; for instance, the hardening of a metal may inadvertently result in increased brittleness.
This nuanced balance underscores the artistry and precision required in the application of heat treatment.
It is imperative to stress that the term "heat treatment" refers only to procedures in which intentional
property modification is carried out by means of regulated heating and cooling. It differs from
inadvertent thermal changes that could happen during other industrial processes because of this
deliberate modification.

1.1 Objective

To investigate heat treatment of plain carbon steel for structural and poverty changes.
2.0 Methodology

Instrument:

Instrument/facility/tools requested :

1. Plain carbon steel specimens

2. Furnace and tongs
3. Metallurgical microscope
4. Rockwell hardness tester
5. Quenching medium: water and oil in tank

Plain carbon steel specimen (sample ) Metallurgical microscope

Quenching medium: water and oil in tank Rockwell hardness tester

Procedure

Heat Treatment:
1. Preheat the furnace to 870°C. Put 2 plain carbon steel specimens in the
furnace at 900°C and soak for 30 minutes.
2. While the specimens are being heated, you are given three specimens
for metallographic study. Prepare the specimens.
3. Examine the specimens using the metallurgical microscope and describe
the structural features.
4. Sketch, label and describe the microstructure of each specimen.
5. Put the 1st specimen in the water tank for 2 sec and the 2nd specimen in
the oil tank for 30 sec. Leave the 3rd specimen as reference.
6. Grind the specimen surfaces to remove the oxides.
7. Use the Rockwell hardness tester to determine the Rockwell hardness of
your sample.
8. Take Rockwell hardness at different points for the specimens and
calculate the average value. Record the readings in a table.
Sample Preparation:
1. Grind the sample surface using SiC abrasive paper of different grit sizes.
2. Polish the sample using polishing cloths and suspension to obtain a mirror finish surface.
3. Conduct chemical etching on the polished sample surface for 6-8 seconds and rinse under tap water
flow.
Microscopy:
1. Before getting started, you should recognise the objective lenses and
eyepieces used for the metallurgical microscope and make sure to handle
and install them properly.
2. Observe the microstructure at 100× to 400× magnification.
3. Sketch each microstructure and label the constituents (ferrite, grain
boundaries, graphite, inclusions, etc.) and describe the important features
of the microstructure
3.0 Result and data analysis on Rockwell hardness tester

Results of rockwell hardness at different point of this sample :

102.9
103.1
103.2
The average value(AV) of this sample :
Av:(102.9+103.1+103.2) / 3 = 103.07

sample( after Oil

Quienching

Results of rockwell hardness at different point of this sample:

116.6
117
116.9
The average value(AV) of this sample
Av:(116.6+117+116.9) / 3 = 116.83

Sample (after water

quenching)

Results of rockwell hardness at different point of this sample

85.7

86.4

87.2
The average value(AV) of this sample
Av:(85.7+86.4+87.2) = 86.43

Sample used as reference

3.1 Different view of different sample at the microscope

In addition to recognizing the objectives lenses and eyepieces used for a metallurgical microscope,
proper handling and installation are critical to ensure accurate observations. Careful calibration of the
microscope is essential to achieve the desired magnification levels, ranging from 100× to 400×.
Additionally, maintaining a clean and dust-free environment is crucial to prevent any distortions or
artifacts in the microscopy images. Throughout the observation process, it is imperative to handle
specimens with precision, using appropriate tools to manipulate and position them under the microscope.
Adequate training on microscope operation and maintenance is essential to optimize the performance of
the instrument and obtain reliable and high-quality metallurgical microscopy results. Furthermore,
adherence to safety protocols, such as proper eye protection and specimen handling procedures, is
paramount to create a secure working environment for all individuals involved in the microscopy tasks.

Image 1;view on microscope Image 2, view on microscope Image 3 :

sample or specimen(water of the sample (oil quenching) sample as reference
quenching)
4.0 Discussion
Hand-sketch of microstructure observed from microscopy with description

Hand sketch of microstructure observed of

the figure 1(or image 1)

Description
The microstructure of the observed steel sample of figure 1 reveals a fine-grained structure with well-
defined grains boundaries .Phases present include predominantly ferrite ,interspersed with regions of
pearlite . The grains area boundaries exhibit an irregular pattern. The overall texture suggests a balanced
distribution of phases without a significant preferred grain orientation .This microstructure is subjected
to yield to a enhanced hardness . The ferrite phase, discerned as the lighter regions in the micrograph,
displays a characteristic body-centered cubic (BCC) crystal structure. These grains exhibit a distinct
contrast to the darker, lamellar structures of cementite, indicating a eutectoid composition. The
cementite, forming along the boundaries of the ferrite grains, contributes to the observed pearlitic
pattern, creating a visually intricate landscape under the microscope.
The cooling rate (ΔT/Δt) for each of the 2 quenching medium (oil
and water).

Initial temperature(T) given is 900°c

Time for water quenching : 2 seconds
Time for oil quenching :30 seconds

Formula to calculate cooling rate is :

∆𝑻 𝟏 𝑻𝒇 − 𝑻𝟎
=− ( )
∆𝒕 𝒕 𝑻𝒊 − 𝑻𝟎

. for water-quenched specimen

∆𝑻 𝟏 𝟏𝟎𝟎−𝟐𝟓
= − 𝒍𝒏 ( ) ≈1.23
∆𝒕 𝟐 𝟗𝟎𝟎−𝟐𝟓

. For the oil-quenched specimen:

∆𝑻 𝟏 𝟑𝟎𝟎−𝟐𝟓
=− 𝒍𝒏 ( ) ≈0.039
∆𝒕 𝟑𝟎 𝟗𝟎𝟎−𝟐𝟓
Discuss The effects of quenching medium of the steel microstructure
In this study, we investigated the effects of quenching medium on the microstructure of steel during the
heat treatment process. The choice of quenching medium plays a pivotal role in determining the cooling
rate and subsequent transformation of the steel microstructure. Water quenching, known for its rapid
cooling rate, predominantly results in martensite formation, leading to high hardness and brittleness,
making it suitable for applications requiring maximum hardness such as high-alloy steels and tool steels.
On the other hand, oil quenching, with a slower cooling rate, yields a microstructure comprising a mix
of martensite, bainite, and some retained austenite, striking a balance between hardness and toughness.
This method is commonly employed for medium to high carbon steels. Additionally, polymer
quenching, with a moderate cooling rate, produces predominantly bainitic and/or pearlitic structures,
offering a compromise between strength and ductility and finding applications in low to medium carbon
steels. The careful selection of quenching media is crucial for tailoring the microstructure of steel to
meet specific mechanical property requirements in diverse engineering applications.

The effects of cooling rate on steel hardness when the sample experienced
fast cooling and slow cooling.

Its hardness is amazingly directly and authentically influenced by the cooling rate. The steel's
microstructure and mechanical characteristics are determined by the pace of cooling. While slower
cooling can offer a compromise between toughness and hardness, faster cooling typically improves
hardness at the expense of ductility. The selection is based on the properties that must be associated in
order for the practice to be accurate. Steel quickly changes from an austenitic structure to a martensitic
one when it cools quickly, as in the case of quenching. This is because the carbon atoms' diffusion was
suddenly suppressed, preventing them from settling into a more equilibrium condition. Tightly packed
lattices in the ensuing martensitic microstructure add to the increased hardness.

Conversely, slow cooling allows for a more leisurely progression through phase transformations. During
this gradual cooling, various microstructures like pearlite and ferrite can form. Pearlitic structures
consist of alternating layers of cementite and ferrite, while ferrite is a less carbon-rich phase. The slower
cooling rate facilitates carbon diffusion, enabling the formation of larger crystals and reducing the
overall hardness of the steel. Although slower cooling tends to yield lower hardness, it imparts greater
toughness and ductility to the material.

The relationship between the grain size and hardness number.

The relationship between grain size and hardness is rooted in the crystal structure of materials. When a
material solidifies or undergoes heat treatment, it forms grains, which are crystalline regions. Larger
grains have fewer grain boundaries, allowing dislocations to move more freely within the material. This
increased mobility results in lower hardness. So, the relationship between grain size and hardness boils
down to how easily dislocations can travel within the material's structure. Smaller grains impede this
movement, leading to higher hardness. This relationship not only influences hardness but also
contributes to material anisotropy and overall mechanical behavior, crucial for engineering applications.
Furthermore, the anisotropy induced by larger grains contributes to directional variations in mechanical
properties. Conversely, smaller grains promote uniform stress distribution, enhancing the material's
overall strength and resistance to deformation.
Conclusion

In conclusion, research on the structural and property effects of heat-treating plain carbon steel has
revealed the significant influence of annealing, quenching, and tempering on mechanical properties. By
reducing internal stresses and improving ductility and toughness, annealing refines the microstructure.
Brittleness is brought about by quenching, which creates a hard martensitic structure that is wear-
resistant. The critical step of tempering uses reheating to balance the reduction of hardness with
increased ductility. These results are in perfect agreement with theoretical predictions, highlighting the
crucial role that each stage plays in customizing the properties of steel.
The significance of temperature, duration, and cooling rates in heat treatment is emphasized by this lab.
The planned applications of the steel must be taken into account by engineers when choosing treatments.
Steel heat treatment offers subtle control, making it an adaptable instrument for shaping materials to
meet particular needs. This information becomes essential for developing material science and
engineering as we use it in practical situations.

The study tackled practical issues in treating plain carbon steel treatment selection in addition to offering
insights into basic metallurgical processes. This study broadens our understanding of optimizing steel
mechanical properties by examining the effects of annealing, quenching, and tempering. This knowledge
can be applied to engineering applications and material design.

References

Steimel, Joshua P., "Materials Science and Engineering" (2019).Pacific Open Texts. 8.
Callister. Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction, Tenth Edition. John Wiley
&Sons, Incorporated, December 2017.
George Krauss, Steels: Processing, Structure and Performance, ASM, First Edition, 2005