Structure formation in boron-rich iron–boron compounds

Resumo

The mechanism of formation of boron-containing phases during steel borating has been studied. The transformations in the boride phase are shown to be related to the decomposition and appearance of new clusters, i.e., their synthesis owing to the coalescence of defects. This is related to the probability for boron or iron vacancies to be formed and fluctuated. A mathematical description of the kinetics of boride layer formation is given.