An exothermic atmosphere is a controlled environment used in metal heat treatment processes where the chemical reactions occurring generate heat. This type of atmosphere is crucial for preventing surface oxidation during the heating of metals, particularly steel. Exothermic atmospheres are characterized by their ability to produce heat through chemical reactions without the need for external heating of gas and air.
Composition and Types of Exothermic Atmosphere: Exothermic atmospheres for heating steel are primarily of two types: rich exothermic and lean exothermic. The rich exothermic atmosphere has a nominal composition of 71.5% nitrogen (N2), 10.5% carbon monoxide (CO), 5% carbon dioxide (CO2), 12.5% hydrogen (H2), and 0.5% methane (CH4). This composition is typically used for processes like steel tempering, copper and silver brazing, annealing, and powdered metal sintering. The carbon potential of the gas mixture in rich exothermic conditions is lower than 0.10%, which is suitable for low carbon steels to prevent decarburization, a process that could lead to poor wear resistance.
On the other hand, the lean exothermic atmosphere has a composition of 86.8% nitrogen, 1.5% carbon monoxide, 10.5% carbon dioxide, and 1.2% hydrogen. Unlike rich exothermic atmospheres, lean exothermic atmospheres are not used in heat treatment processes. They are employed when deliberate surface oxidation is required, such as in copper annealing and other low-temperature workloads.
Applications and Importance: The use of exothermic atmospheres in metal heat treatment is significant because they help maintain the integrity and properties of the metal surfaces. By generating heat internally through chemical reactions, these atmospheres reduce the risk of unwanted chemical changes like oxidation and decarburization. This is particularly important in processes where the metal's surface quality and chemical composition are critical, such as in the production of high-quality steel products.
In summary, an exothermic atmosphere is a specialized environment created through chemical reactions that generate heat, essential for controlling the oxidation and other chemical changes during metal heat treatment processes. The specific composition of these atmospheres can be tailored to suit different applications, ensuring optimal conditions for various metalworking processes.
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