Effect of Hot-Wire Arc Low-Temperature Plasma-Assisted Nitriding on the Structure and Properties of Nitrided Layers in Different Substrates

Yongqiong Ren; Wei Fang; Jie Chen; Zhihong Huang; Wenchang Lang

doi:10.6919/ICJE.202604_12(4).0013

Authors

Yongqiong Ren
Wei Fang
Jie Chen
Zhihong Huang
Wenchang Lang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6919/ICJE.202604_12(4).0013

Keywords:

Hot-wire Arc; Low-temperature Plasma Nitriding; AISI 430; AISI 304; AISI M2; Nitrided Layer Structure.

Abstract

Hot-wire arc low-temperature plasma-assisted nitriding technology was used to perform nitriding treatment on the surfaces of AISI 430 stainless steel, AISI 304 stainless steel, and AISI M2 high-speed steel. After nitriding treatment, the phase structure of the nitrided layer of AISI 430 stainless steel is mainly composed of nitrogen-expanded ferrite phase (αN), Fe-N compounds (ε phase and γ’ phase), and a small amount of CrN. The phase structure of the nitrided layer of AISI 304 stainless steel is mainly composed of nitrogen-expanded austenite phase (γN) and a small amount of CrN, while the phase structure of the nitrided layer of AISI M2 high-speed steel is mainly composed of nitrogen-expanded martensite phase (αN), Fe-N compounds (ε phase and a small amount of γ’ phase), and carbide phase. After nitriding treatment, AISI 430 stainless steel has the thickest nitrided layer. The hardness of PN430 and PN304 is increased by about 700% compared with the untreated substrates, and both the friction coefficient and wear scar width are significantly reduced; while the hardness of PNGS is increased by 200% compared with the untreated substrate, and the friction coefficient and wear scar width are slightly reduced. After nitriding, the overall corrosion resistance of AISI 430 stainless steel and AISI 304 stainless steel decreases, but their pitting corrosion resistance increases, whereas both the overall corrosion resistance and pitting corrosion resistance of AISI M2 high-speed steel are improved.

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