Publication Search

Carburizing is one of the most widely applied thermochemical surface treatments to enhance the mechanical performance of steels; however, existing studies remain fragmented, with limited integration of diffusion mechanisms, process parameters, and their combined effects on surface performance, which hinders process optimization for advanced applications requiring improved wear and corrosion resistance. This study addresses this gap through a systematic literature review (SLR) of approximately 28 peer-reviewed articles indexed in Scopus and ScienceDirect, using a structured methodology consisting of identification, screening, eligibility assessment, and comparative analysis focusing on key variables such as temperature, holding time, carburizing media, and diffusion behavior. The analysis shows that carbon diffusion kinetics and case characteristics are strongly influenced by process parameters, where temperatures of 850–950°C and longer holding times significantly increase case depth (up to >1 mm) and surface hardness (typically 50–65 HRC or improvements up to ~150 HV). In addition, clear distinctions among carburizing methods were identified: gas and vacuum carburizing offer superior control of carbon potential and microstructural uniformity, while pack and liquid carburizing provide more economical alternatives with lower process precision. Notably, inconsistencies were found in correlating diffusion depth with corrosion resistance, indicating a critical research gap. This review establishes an integrated framework linking diffusion mechanisms, processing parameters, and surface performance, offering insights for optimizing carburizing processes and highlighting the need for future studies that simultaneously evaluate mechanical and corrosion properties.

This study analyzed the characteristics of carbon produced from coconut shells and Arabica coffee grounds through a pyrolysis process at a temperature of 1000°C for 1 hour. The SEM test results showed that coconut shells contained 91.87% carbon, while Arabica coffee grounds contained 74.39% carbon, indicating a higher carbon content in coconut shells. Furthermore, this study evaluated the effect of coconut shell carbon and Arabica coffee grounds carbon with temperature variations on the thermal conductivity and corrosion rate of 316L stainless steel plates. The results of the study showed that the highest thermal conductivity values ​​for coconut shell carbon and Arabica coffee grounds were 19.06087 W/m°C and 18.959905 W/m°C, respectively, both achieved at a temperature of 900°C. Increasing the temperature in the pack carburizing process significantly increased the carbon content in 316L stainless steel, which had a positive impact on increasing thermal conductivity. Coconut shell carbon at 900°C showed the lowest corrosion rate of 4.35 mm/year, while Arabica coffee grounds carbon at the same temperature had a corrosion rate of 5.81 mm/year. In conclusion, the effect of adding carbon with temperature variations in the pack carburizing process can increase hardness. The corrosion rate on 316L stainless steel plate will be lower because it contains Cr, Ni, and C which affect strength and high temperature resistance, especially hardness.

ASTM A36 steel has relatively low hardness and corrosion resistance, making surface treatment necessary to improve its material properties. This study aims to determine the effect of temperature and holding time variations in the pack carburizing process on the hardness, corrosion rate, and microstructure of ASTM A36 steel. The pack carburizing process was carried out using coconut shell charcoal as the carburizing medium with temperature variations of 850°C, 900°C, and 950°C and holding times of 20, 40, and 60 minutes, followed by quenching in distilled water. Hardness testing was conducted using the Rockwell B scale (HRB) method, corrosion rate testing was performed according to the ASTM G31 method, and microstructural observations were carried out using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results showed that increasing the temperature and holding time improved the hardness and corrosion resistance of ASTM A36 steel. The highest hardness value was obtained at a temperature of 950°C with a holding time of 60 minutes, reaching 114.1 HRB. Microstructural analysis revealed the formation of a martensitic phase on the specimen surface after the carburizing process.

This study investigates biomass-derived surface engineering of AISI 1020 steel for electromedical applications using galam wood charcoal and chicken bone waste as carburizing media. Surface modification is required to improve the mechanical performance of low-carbon steel, particularly in applications that demand high wear resistance and long-term durability. A pack carburizing approach was applied using various ratios of biomass-derived media at a treatment temperature of 800 °C for 2 hours. Chemical composition was analyzed using Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES), surface hardness was evaluated using Micro Vickers hardness testing, and microstructural characteristics were observed using optical microscopy. The results show a significant increase in surface carbon content with increasing fractions of chicken bone powder, indicating its effectiveness as a carbon donor and diffusion promoter. The surface hardness increased from approximately 150 HV in the untreated condition to a maximum of about 860 HV in the treated specimen. Microstructural observations revealed the formation of a distinct carburized layer with increasing thickness and uniformity, consistent with enhanced carbon diffusion and surface strengthening. These findings demonstrate that biomass-derived surface engineering provides an effective and sustainable approach for improving the surface properties of low-carbon steel. The proposed method offers strong potential for environmentally friendly manufacturing of durable and reliable electromedical components.

Stainless steel is an alloy steel with corrosion (rust) resistance properties. However, the good corrosion and wear resistance properties of stainless steel also require continuous improvement in its performance and service life, especially in highly aggressive environments. One approach to changing the material structure is by using a mixture based on natural carbon, such as robusta coffee grounds. Robusta coffee grounds will be converted into carbon using a pyrolysis process at a temperature of 1000°C with a holding time of 1 hour. This carbon will be used as a coating material on 316L stainless steel with a variety of pack carburizing and quenching processes and temperatures with a holding time of 1 hour, then it will undergo a testing process that includes: thermal conductivity testing, and corrosion rate testing. In the quenching process, the thermal conductivity value of 900°C has a thermal conductivity value of 20.556 W/m°C, 800°C has a thermal conductivity value of 19.669 W/m°C and a temperature of 700°C with a thermal conductivity value of 18.930 W/m°C. while in the pack carburizing process, the temperature of 900°C has a thermal conductivity value of 20.101 W/m°C, and 800° has a thermal conductivity value of 19.54684 W/m°C, while at 700°C the thermal conductivity value is 18.916 W/m°C. At the raw corrosion rate has a corrosion rate value of 7.614 mm/year, in the quenching process of 700°C has a corrosion rate of 12.781 mm/year, while the temperature of 900°C with a corrosion rate value of 18.401 mm/year, and in the pack carburizing process of 700°C has a corrosion rate value of 9.699 mm/year temperature 900°C with a corrosion rate value of 13.234 mm/year. The better process in thermal conductivity is quenching, because it has a faster time but has a high conductivity value, while for the best corrosion rate is the pack carburizing process because it has a smaller corrosion rate value compared to the quenching process

His study aims to investigate the effect of temperature variation in pack carburizing and quenching processes on the microstructure and surface hardness of Stainless Steel 316L. The pack carburizing process was conducted using activated carbon derived from robusta coffee grounds at temperatures of 700°C, 800°C, and 900°C with a holding time of 60 minutes. Subsequently, a quenching process was carried out using oil mixed with activated carbon to lock the diffused carbon. The material was tested for mass change, microstructure (via SEM), and surface hardness (using the Vickers method). The results show that increasing temperature significantly affects carbon diffusion and hardness improvement. The highest hardness value was obtained from the quenching process at 900°C with 330 HV, while pack carburizing at the same temperature resulted in 292 HV. The microstructure revealed more dominant Martensitic formation in the quenching process. Therefore, heat treatment with rapid cooling proves to be more effective in enhancing hardness and modifying the microstructure of Stainless Steel 316L.    

The need for metal materials in various industries and construction is increasing. Materials that are widely needed by industry, especially the use of current research for the manufacture of electrodes in the electrolysis process. Some of the mechanical properties that are highlighted in quality include strength and wear resistance of the material. To meet these needs, various engineering techniques such as surface coatings are carried out to improve its mechanical properties. One approach that has been introduced is to change the structure of the material using a mixture of natural carbon-based materials, such as coconut shells and Arabica coffee grounds. Coconut shells and Arabica coffee grounds can be processed into carbon through a pyrolysis process at a temperature of 1000°C. The carbon is used as a material for the pack carburizing process with various heating temperatures (700°C, 800°C, 900°C) and various types of coconut shell carbon and Arabica coffee grounds with a base material of 316L stainless steel and will later undergo a testing process that tests the microstructure and hardness. The results of the structural and hardness tests show changes in the structure of the specimen. The higher the temperature, the higher the carbon mass value and the hardness value. Coconut shell carbon specimens with a temperature of 900°C have an average of the highest hardness value of 318 HV and specimens with the lowest hardness value of 293 HV Arabica coffee grounds carbon specimens with a temperature of 700°C. The content of C, Cr, and Ni affects hardness, strength, and high temperature resistance.