Abstract
Post-implantation heat treatment was performed on nitrogen implanted 440C stainless steel for varying times and temperatures. The results show surface microhardness may be increased by thermal aging treatments similar to that of age hardening alloys. The increases in surface hardness can be attributed to the formation of nitride precipitates in the matrix during the aging heat treatment. Transmission electron microscopy and selected area diffraction analyses demonstrated some preliminary nitride formation following implantation and aging. The principal nitride found was CrN. The matrix of the as-received 440C stainless steel was found to have a b.c.t. martensitic structure with a high dislocation-tangle density.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
