Originally Posted By: craigd
Originally Posted By: ClapperZapper
...."Can patterned oxides (and other films) be created at the surface of a previously case hardened part, without the carbon atoms beneath the film migrating out?"....


I wonder if the carbon left at all. I thought the environment in the pack, to create the colors, is carbon (CO?) rich and blocks oxygen. You'd think the surface might pick up a tad more carbon if colors show up.


I can't think of any reason why the carbon would leave the case and participate in the colors. The colors, AIU, involve oxides of iron and other stuff in the quench, not carbon.

DDA