Comprehensive Study of Electrolytic Plasma Nitriding of Austenitic Stainless Steels
The study investigates the spectral, structural, and phase changes occurring in austenitic steel 12Kh18N10T during cathodic electrolytic plasma nitriding (EPN) in a Na<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub>–CO(NH<sub>2</sub>)<sub>2</sub>–NH<sub>4</sub>C...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Crystals |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4352/15/5/456 |
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| Summary: | The study investigates the spectral, structural, and phase changes occurring in austenitic steel 12Kh18N10T during cathodic electrolytic plasma nitriding (EPN) in a Na<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub>–CO(NH<sub>2</sub>)<sub>2</sub>–NH<sub>4</sub>Cl electrolyte at 550 °C for 10 min. Emission spectroscopy revealed active plasma components: N<sub>2</sub><sup>+</sup>, N I, Hα, and O I. The electron density, calculated from the Hα line broadening, was approximately 8.5 × 10<sup>18</sup> cm<sup>−3</sup>. X-ray phase analysis revealed the formation of CrN, Fe<sub>3</sub>N phases, and a solid solution of nitrogen in γ-Fe. SEM analysis revealed a three-layer structure of the nitrided layer: a nitride zone, a transition region, and the austenitic matrix. The EDS profile confirmed a decrease in nitrogen concentration, accompanied by a reduction in microhardness from a maximum of 480 HV at the surface, both gradually decreasing with depth. The friction coefficient decreased from ~0.8 (in the initial state) to ~0.6 after EPN. The results confirm the effectiveness of EPN in strengthening and improving the wear resistance of stainless steel. |
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| ISSN: | 2073-4352 |