| abstract |
A carburization method for steel is contemplated, with austenitic stainless steel showing particular promise. The surface is first passivated with an acidic solution and then subjected to low temperature (between ˜350 to 550° C. or between ˜650 to 1,000° F.) carburization in the presence of a concentrated carbon solution (e.g., carbon monoxide, hydrogen gas, and nitrogen gas), followed by a repeated cycle of passivation and carburization under identical conditions but for a comparatively shorter period of time relative to the first cycle. The carburized surface is allowed to cool and cleaned, after which the resulting surface is shown to have ultrahigh tensile strength, increased interatomic bonding strength, and lowered electrical and thermal conductivity. To the extent this method can be employed to completely saturate and penetrate the workpiece (e.g., a foil), the resultant material and article are formed entirely from a novel composition. |