Abstract
Considering the advantages of steel surface hardening, when less expensive low- and medium- carbon steels can be surface
hardened without the problems of distortion and cracking associated with the through hardening of thick sections, we developed
some research entailing the increase in environmental performance of iron powders carburizing process using methane as carrier.
Apart of studies on optimal working parameters and methods, our research addresses improvements in environmental
performance of process by selecting powders suppliers, reducing raw materials and energy consumptions, considering products
life cycle analysis. A comparison is also performed among the characteristics of three series of research for obtaining ecological
steels for automotive industry.