Mustapha Salisu
A researcher from the Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano, Mohammad Israr, has co-authored a study examining how heat treatment affects the mechanical properties of low-carbon steel.
The study, titled “Study on the Influence of Heat Treatment on the Mechanical Properties of Low-Carbon Steel,” was conducted by Amar Kumar Das, Bidyuta Ranjan Rout, Rachakrushna Saht and Mohammad Israr.
Israr is affiliated with MAAUN, while the other researchers are from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, GIF Autonomous College, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
The researchers examined low-carbon steel subjected to heat treatment at 750°C, 900°C and 1,050°C to assess changes in its tensile strength, yield strength and hardness.
According to the study, the heat treatment process improved the mechanical properties of the steel as the treatment temperature increased.
The research reported a tensile strength of 354 MPa, yield strength of 210 MPa and hardness of 128 HV, attributing the improvements to microstructural changes, including the formation of bainitic and martensitic phases and refinement of the microstructure.
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The researchers noted that low-carbon steel is widely used in automotive components, pipelines and other engineering applications because of its low cost and good machinability.
However, they said its relatively low strength and hardness can limit its use in critical applications.
The study therefore recommends careful selection of heat treatment parameters to enhance the strength, hardness and wear resistance of low-carbon steel for wider engineering applications.