Studies on Electrolytic Extraction of Carbides in Iron and Steels

Abstract

The polarizing characteristics of synthesized carbides, Fe₃C, Cr₃C₂, Cr₂₃C₆, M₂₃C₆, M₆C, WC, V₄C Nb₄C₃, Mo₂C, ZrC, and TiC, were studied by means of potentiostat in order to determine the optimum condition for the electrolytic extraction of carbides from steels. From the results of polarization curves and natural electrode potentials of iron and carbides, some useful informations were obtained as to the electrolyte and the electrolytic potential for extraction. Moreover, the effects of various factors on polarizing characteristics were considered, that is, of pH and temperature of electrolyte, atmosphere, and kind, composition and form of carbides.