The influence of nitrogen ion implantation on microhardness of the Stellite 6 alloy

Abstract

Cobalt alloys known as Stellite used to produce or surfacing machine elements subjected to combustion gases and heat. They are used a currently in the manufacture of valves and valve seats in internal combustion engines. Because of the small thermal conductivity, stellite may not be subjected heat treatment. In order to improve the mechanical properties of cobalt alloys, samples were implanted with nitrogen ions with 65 keV energy and ion dose of 1·1016, 5·1016, 1·1017 N+/cm2. The influence of ion implantation on properties of strength was determined by measuring microhardness using a Vickers hardness test. The measurement results allowed to determine the increase in the microhardness of 20% with dose 5·1016 N+/cm2 compared to the sample not implanted. Implantation of nitrogen ions can increase the strength of the valves and the valve seats having Stellite without changing the external dimensions of the final element, and without interfering with its inner structure by low-temperature of modification the surface layer.