Modifying the properties of AISI 316L steel by glow discharge assisted low-temperature nitriding and oxynitriding

Apart from titanium, its alloys and CoCrMo alloys, austenitic steels are widely used in medical applications. In order to improve the frictional wear resistance of these steels, they are subjected to various surface treatments such that the good corrosion resistance of the steels is preserved. The p...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Vacuum 2010-08, Vol.85 (2), p.164-169
Main Authors: Skolek-Stefaniszyn, E., Kaminski, J., Sobczak, J., Wierzchon, T.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alloys
Austenitic stainless steel
Austenitic stainless steels
Chromium nitride
Corrosion resistance
Glow discharge nitriding
Glow discharge oxynitriding
Glow discharges
Nitriding
Oxynitriding
S phase
Structural steels
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Summary:Apart from titanium, its alloys and CoCrMo alloys, austenitic steels are widely used in medical applications. In order to improve the frictional wear resistance of these steels, they are subjected to various surface treatments such that the good corrosion resistance of the steels is preserved. The paper analyzes the structure and phase composition of AISI 316L steel after subjecting it to low-temperature nitriding and oxynitriding under glow discharge conditions. The treatments produced diffusion-type surface layers composed of nitrogen-expanded austenite (known as the phase S, i.e. supersaturated solution of nitrogen in austenite) with a thin surface layer of chromium nitride (CrN) zone (after nitriding) or chromium oxide (Cr 2O 3) zone (after oxynitriding). It has been shown that the treatments substantially increase the hardness and frictional wear resistance of the steel without degrading its good corrosion resistance (examined in the Ringer physiological solution at a temperature of 37 °C).
ISSN:0042-207X
1879-2715
DOI:10.1016/j.vacuum.2010.05.006