Abstract
AISI 410 martensitic stainless steel samples with different metallurgical structures were DC-pulsed plasma nitrided at 623, 723 and 773 K. The samples were ion nitrided in an industrial equipment using a gas mixture consisting of 25% N 2+75% H 2 under a pulsed DC glow discharge. Optical and scanning electron microscopy, as well as glancing angle X-ray diffraction and microhardness measurements have been used to study the ion nitrided surfaces. All plasma nitrided samples showed surface hardness values higher than 1000 HV; the highest value was obtained at 673 K. The case depth was approximately 30 μm for samples nitrided at 673 and 773 K, while the sample nitrided at 623 K showed an ‘expanded ferrite’ phase (α N) and an incipient precipitation of Fe 4N. Depending on the treatment temperature and time, two fronts were formed, termed diffusion front and transformation front; the latter produces a softening of the nitrided case. Electrochemical measurements showed a decrease of corrosion resistance in the samples nitrided during 20 h at 673 and 773 K. Conversely, the sample nitrided at 623 K presented a low corrosion current and more noble corrosion potential.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
