Abstract
A 2.8 kJ plasma focus device with a nitrogen gas filling and a copper anode capsulated by aluminum was used to modify the surface of AISI304 steel substrate, in order to improve its properties. The treatment was carried out using a various number of nitrogen plasma focus shots at a pressure of 0.5 mbar and at two steel sample distances (20 and 40 mm) from the anode. The plasma diagnostics was made using the voltage and current curves recorded by a voltage divider, Rogowskii coil, accompanied with calculations using a five phase radiative Lee model (RADPF5.15a) to determine the temperature and plasma density. The surface hardness of AISI304 steel was increased by ∼175% after plasma treatment and the thickness of the treated layers was about 1–2 μm. Results show that the surface hardness is increased with increasing shot number and decreased with increasing distance from the anode. Changes in surface morphology and the elemental composition were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX).
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 call
