Ion-nitriding of Maraging steel (250 Grade) for Aeronautical application

Abstract

Ion nitriding is one of the surface modification processes to obtain better wear resistance of the component. Maraging steel (250 Grade) is used to manufacture a critical component in the control surface of a combat aircraft. This part requires high strength and good wear resistance. Maraging steels belong to a new class of high strength steels with the combination of strength and toughness that are among the highest attainable in general engineering alloys. Good wear resistance is achieved by ion-nitriding (also called as plasma nitriding or glow discharge nitriding) process of case nitriding. Ion-nitriding is a method of surface hardening using glow discharge technology to introduce nascent (elemental) nitrogen to the surface of a metal part for subsequent diffusion into the material. In the present investigation, ion-nitriding of Maraging steel (250 grade) is carried out at 450°C and its effect on microstructure and various properties is discussed.