Abstract
Nitrogen ion implantation has shown its role in enhancing steel surface properties. In this work, AISI M50 steel was implanted with nitrogen ions by using the metal vapor vacuum arc technique with a dose of 2 × 1017 cm−2, and corresponding implanted energies were at 60 keV, 80 keV, and 100 keV, respectively. The distribution of implanted nitrogen ions was calculated, and the samples were tribologically tested and examined. As shown by the results, the microhardness in implanted samples was 1.17 times greater relative to that of the unimplanted sample. The implantation of the nitrogen ion leads to a change in the friction coefficient of the AISI M50 steel. Adhesive wear mechanism occurs in the unimplanted sample, and adhesion resistance tends to increase when nitrogen-implanted energy increases. The formation of oxides α-Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 further enhanced the tribological properties for implanted samples.
Highlights
Bearing, as an integral part in various mechanical equipment, is critical for equipment performance, level, quality, and reliability of the equipment [1]
AISI M50 steel is often subjected to continuous heavy loads and high speeds, and in these harsh environments, the material surface can undergo a variety of failure behaviours, such as damage, wear, and plastic deformation [4]
Prior to nitrogen ion implantation, AISI M50 steel was cut into flat samples with a dimension of 30 mm × 20 mm × 10 mm and polished by silicon carbide emery papers of 120, 400, 800, and 1200 grit. e last polishing was made with 3.5 μm and 1 μm diamond pastes to a mirror finish with a roughness of Ra approx. 0.05 μm
Summary
As an integral part in various mechanical equipment, is critical for equipment performance, level, quality, and reliability of the equipment [1]. Advance of science and technology has stimulated greater demands for bearing materials, which possess reinforced performance and applicability to harsh environments [2]. AISI M50 steel is often subjected to continuous heavy loads and high speeds, and in these harsh environments, the material surface can undergo a variety of failure behaviours, such as damage, wear, and plastic deformation [4]. In order to reinforce the surface properties and wear resistance for the steel, many surface treatment methods have been proposed. Compared to other surface techniques, such as chemical heat treatment [5], laser melting [6], and chemical etching [7], ion implantation possesses higher precision and a cleaner environment [8]. Ion implantation technique triggers variations in the material surface and chemical composition, including microstructure [9], chemical properties [10], and biological properties [11]
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