Development of an Environmentally Friendly in-situ Pack-Cyaniding Technique

K. J. Akinluwade, A. R. Adetunji, M. O. Adeoye, L. E. Umoru, P. N. Kalu, A. T. Taiwo, O. O. Adewoye

Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Florida State University, Florida, USA.
National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Abuja, Nigeria.

DOI: 10.4236/jmmce.2012.111002                

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.

Keywords

environmentally friendly, cassava leaves, scanning electron microscope, in-situ pack-cyaniding, biodegradable, clean technology

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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