Method of heat treating metal using a washable synthetic quenchant

摘要

A method of quenching metal components utilizing a water based quenching composition which includes a polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer of high molecular weight and in relatively high concentrations and thereafter power washing the parts to remove the polymeric film. Another preferred embodiment uses the same high molecular weight polyvinylpyrrolidone in combination with two rust inhibiting agents which greatly extend the time during which the quenchant film left on the quenched parts remains water soluable, while still providing an excellent approximation of the cooling curve characteristic of an oil quenchant.