Suitability Assessment of Organic Carbon Additives in the Carburization of Low Carbon Steel (AISI 1020) for Engineering Applications

Abstract

The quest to enhance the mechanical properties of low-carbon steel (LCS) has stimulated the exploration of diverse carburization techniques, with growing attention on organic additives derived from agricultural wastes as sustainable alternatives to conventional materials. This study investigated sheanut shell (SNS) and eggshell (ES) ash as eco-friendly carburizing agents for AISI 1020 steel to improve its performance for engineering applications. The objective was to evaluate their potential in enhancing hardness, strength, impact resistance, and microstructural properties of LCS. Experimental analysis compared carburized and un-carburized (UC) samples, focusing on hardness, tensile strength, impact energy, and microstructural features. The findings showed that carburization significantly increased hardness, with carburized LCS reaching 513 HB compared to 398 HB for UC LCS. However, UC LCS exhibited higher yield strength (221.3 N/mm²) and ultimate tensile strength (241.1 N/mm²), whereas carburized LCS absorbed more fracture energy (63.72 J), reflecting a trade-off between hardness and tensile strength. Microstructural examination revealed improved surface morphology, metallurgical bonding, and higher pearlite concentration due to carbon diffusion, while energy dispersive spectroscopy confirmed elevated carbon content in carburized samples. Structural analysis further identified both crystalline and amorphous carbon phases. The study concludes that SNS and ES ash are effective sustainable carburizing additives capable of enhancing surface properties of LCS, making the material suitable for high-strength and wear-resistant applications. It recommends the wider adoption of these agro-waste additives in industrial carburization processes to reduce reliance on costly conventional materials while promoting sustainable engineering practices.