Effect of Nitrocarburizing and Post-oxidation Processes on the Microstructure and Surface Properties of AISI 4140 Steel

Abstract

AISI 4140 steel is in the class of medium carbon low-alloy steels and is widely used in industry due to its high hardenability and being a relatively economical steel. AISI 4140 steel is also among the steels that can be nitrided. With the nitriding process, thanks to the hard nitride layer obtained on the surface, not only a wear-resistant surface is provided, but also an increase in fatigue strength. In this study, the microstructural and surface properties of AISI 4140 steel, which has been treated with low pressure gas nitrocarburizing and post-oxidation process at different times, has been investigated. For this aim, AISI 4140 steel samples were austenitized at 850 °C for 60 min and quenched into oil at 60 °C. After quenching, the samples were tempered at 630 °C for 60 min. Gas nitrocarburizing process steps; pre-oxidation at 350 °C for 45 minutes, nitriding at 550 °C for 90 minutes and nitrocarburizing at 550 °C for 480 minutes were applied, and then the samples were subjected to post-oxidation using steam for 45 to 180 minutes. Microstructural characterization studies were performed by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, microhardness and surface roughness measurements. The X-ray analysis results revealed that the surface layer of the samples consisting of iron-nitride phases of ɛ-Fe2-3N and ɣ’-Fe4N during nitrocarburizing and iron oxide (Fe3O4). It was determined that the iron oxide (Fe3O4) layer thickness increased with increased post-oxidation time. Among the AISI 4140 steel samples that nitrocarburized and post-oxidized, the best combination of hardness depth, surface hardness, and surface roughness was obtained after 150 minutes of post oxidation.