Varun Kumar Kurapati
, Makkuva Kalyan Phani, Arghya Majumder
J. Min. Metall. Sect. B-Metall., 62 (2) (2026) 195-209. DOI:10.2298/JMMB251024015K
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Available online 07 jul 2026
(Received 24 October 2025; Accepted 23 June 2026)
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Nickel-chromium-molybdenum (Ni-Cr-Mo) steels are widely used in critical engineering applications that require high strength, wear resistance, and fatigue performance. In the present study, the influence of molybdenum content on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of carburized EN36C and AISI 9315 steels was investigated. The steels were subjected to gas carburizing at 920 °C in a sealed quench furnace, followed by quenching and tempering. Detailed characterization was performed using microstructural analysis, hardness measurements, case depth evaluation, tensile testing, impact testing, and fractography. The results revealed significant differences in microstructure and mechanical performance between the two steel grades. AISI 9315 steel, with relatively higher molybdenum content, exhibited improved hardenability, higher hardness, enhanced case characteristics, and superior mechanical properties compared to EN36C steel. Variations in retained austenite content and fracture behavior were also observed as a function of molybdenum content and heat treatment response. The study demonstrates the significant role of molybdenum in controlling phase transformation behavior and enhancing the overall performance of carburized Ni-Cr-Mo steels.
Keywords: Ni-Cr-Mo steels; Gas carburizing; Case depth; Microhardness; Fractography
Correspondence Address:
Makkuva Kalyan Phani,
Department of Metallurgical Engineering, O.P. Jindal University, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, India;
email: kalyan.makkuva@opju.ac.in
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