Influence of Temperature on Properties of the Carboxymethyl Cellulose Quenching Environment

Abstract

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) dissolved in water at concentrations between 1% and 5% is used successfully for cooling cast iron parts with a ferritic–pearlitic matrix. The moderate cooling rate of this medium allows the structural transformation of austenite into martensite without promoting excessive structural and thermal stresses that could compromise the integrity of treated components. The initial temperature of the cooling medium is a critical parameter for achieving proper heat treatment results. This paper investigates the weldability characteristics of the CMC solution at temperatures of 20°C, 30°C, 40°C, 50°C, and 60°C, as well as the corrosion behaviour at the same temperatures for ferritic–pearlitic nodular cast iron samples. The influence of temperature on surface properties, including water contact angle and corrosion resistance, was examined. Cyclic and linear voltammetry tests were performed, and SEM observations along with EDX analyses were conducted on nodular graphite cast iron samples corroded in a 2% CMC aqueous solution. No significant differences were observed in the wetting capacity of the carboxymethyl cellulose solution compared to water.