TITLE:
Development of an Environmentally Friendly in-situ Pack-Cyaniding Technique
AUTHORS:
K. J. Akinluwade, A. R. Adetunji, M. O. Adeoye, L. E. Umoru, P. N. Kalu, A. T. Taiwo, O. O. Adewoye
KEYWORDS:
environmentally friendly, cassava leaves, scanning electron microscope, in-situ pack-cyaniding, biodegradable, clean technology
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering,
Vol.11 No.1,
January
20,
2012
ABSTRACT: A safe and environmentally friendly cyaniding method has been developed to mitigate the toxic impacts of cyanide salts on the environment during conventional cyaniding. The method entails in-situ diffusion of nascent cyanide from mature cassava leaves into the surface of mild steel components via pack-cyaniding. Both high-temperature in-situ diffusion into austenite and low-temperature in-situ diffusion into ferrite were explored. Results from light and scanning electron microscopic studies showed that surface hardness of the steel components was substantially increased. The waste product was a harmless biodegradable organic compound that posed no disposal threats. This study is important for increasing the wear resistance of ferrous parts for a longer service life in application without polluting the environment.