Synthesis of multi-phase steel thin films by a low energy plasma focus device

Abstract

Pure iron bulk is directly transformed into multi-phase steel thin film in methane atmosphere using a plasma focus (PF) device. The thin films were deposited on pure iron substrates through various number of fired shots (10, 20, 30 and 40 shots). Ferrite, retained austenite and martensite structures were identified in multi-phase steel films. The multi-phase steel thin films contain both block-type and lamellar-type retained austenite, as well as martensite structures. The performed analyses demonstrated that low content of amorphous carbide exists in the films. Moreover, the chemisorption of N2 molecules on the film surface is higher than iron substrate. Corrosion and mechanical properties of pure iron substrate improved after deposition of multi-phase steel thin film. Magnetic measurements revealed that this type of steel is non-magnetic. The samples were characterized by measuring thin film parameters such as hardness, friction coefficient, charge transfer resistance, magnetization, and elemental composition.