Nitriding of stainless steels with halogen compounds

Abstract

1. The halogen compounds investigated have no effect on the case depth or the quality of the case on stainless steels. 2. Thermodynamic analysis indicates that halogens used in nitriding and heat treatment of stainless steels shift the thermodynamic potential to the reducing region, as the result of which the atmosphere becomes reducing regardless of the presence of water vapor that oxidizes the steel. 3. Heat treatment of stainless steels in atmospheres with halogens requires that the value of the thermodynamic potential be optimal (above ΔZlim) due to the presence of halogens in the muffle during the process.