TY  - JOUR
T2  - Journal of Mining and Metallurgy, Section B: Metallurgy
TI  - Role of molybdenum in mining grade NiCrMo steels from an industrial perspective
VL  - 62
IS  - 2
SP  - 195
EP  - 209
PY  - 2026
DA  - 07 July 2026
DO  - 10.2298/JMMB251024015K
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2298/JMMB251024015K
AU  - Kurapati, Varun Kumar
AU  - Phani, Makkuva Kalyan
AU  - Majumder, Arghya
AD  - a Department of Metallurgical Engineering, O.P. Jindal University, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, India; b School of Mines and Metallurgy, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, West Bengal, India;
AB  - 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.
KW  - Ni-Cr-Mo steels
KW  - Gas carburizing
KW  - Case depth
KW  - Microhardness
KW  - Fractography
N1  - Correspondence Address: Makkuva Kalyan Phani; Department of Metallurgical Engineering, O.P. Jindal University, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, India; email: kalyan.makkuva@opju.ac.in
N1  - J. Min. Metall. Sect. B-Metall., 62 (2) (2026) 195-209. doi:10.2298/JMMB251024015K
PB  - Technical Faculty in Bor
SN  - 1450-5339 (ISSN)
LA  - English
J2  - J. Min. Metall. Sect. B Metall.
M3  - Article
ER  -