Fluxes - alloying enhancement - is it possible?

[Joe_]

I am looking to see if anyone has any information regarding alloying via fluxes. Specifically, in regards to cable damascus. I am aware that some fluxing compounds include iron. I am looking for a method to include metals such as molybdenum (in the form of molybdenum oxide??). I looked into the lubricant molybdenum disulfide, but I don't think it is a good idea, mainly because of sulfur content and that the melting point is way too high - although diffusion may still occur. I am not looking for complete alloying through to the core, but on the surfaces of strands - in hopes that the steel will gain some of the qualities of molybdenum steel, and resistance to acids. All I have been able to find so far it the following link to a patent:

https://www.google.com/patents/US31...a=X&ei=mSOTVbvMHoKw-AH88YHAAg&ved=0CB4Q6AEwAA

I am completely new to this field. I'm hoping someone can give me some advice. I also hope anyone reading this enjoys.

Thank you!
- Joe

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

It would be really nice if it was that easy, but it doesn't work that way.

You can add some small amount of carbon to the steel skin by packing it in a carbon bearing casing (usually bone powder), and heating to a high temperature for a long time. Adding alloy content or getting any degree of penetration requires melting the steel and adding the alloys. This isn't as easy as it sounds, either. It requires vacuum smelters or gas shields and special crucibles and equipment. Maybe a million dollars would set up a small system.

Cable damascus is fine, as far as alloy content, as it is. XX and XXX wire rope has plenty of carbon and alloying for a knife. The oxides and decarb that form on the small wires as it heats and welds cause the color difference in layers in the finished billet.

 

[jdm61]

I have read comments from Mike Blue about boriding in the case of cable damascus. I can tell you that the scale you get on the outside of a billet form fluxing is as hard as woodpecker lips. Who knows?

 

[Joe_]

I want to thank you all for your input, it is very much appreciated! I will definitely look into boriding. After doing a quick search, this is exactly the type of information I was looking for. If it's not possible for me to execute, I will enjoy reading about it.