glossary

A value used in engineering calculations which is an indicator of the ability of one material to slide on another. A low coefficient of friction indicates a low rate of wear between sliding surfaces.

As a result of prolonged heating or of slow cooling after partial or full transformation, atoms of carbon and a metallic element migrate to the grain boundaries. The atoms here gather and combine as carbides. In high chromium alloys, the affinity (attraction) of chromium and carbon for each other leads to the formation of a thin inter-granular layer of chromium carbides.

Steel whose physical properties are chiefly the result of the percentage of carbon contained in it; and iron-carbon alloy in which the carbon is the most important constituent, ranging from 0.04%-1.40%. It is also referred to as plain carbon steel or straight carbon steel. Minor elements also present in carbon steel include manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, and usually silicon.

In thermal spraying, the gas used to carry powdered materials from the powder feeder or hopper to the gun.

A heat-treatment process, applied to steel or iron-carbon alloys, by which a harder outside is obtained over a softer interior; depth or increased hardness depends upon length of treatment.