Controlled Carbonitriding and Simulation of Carbonitriding Process

Abstract

AbstractCarbonitriding serves to improve the properties of steel components. The carbon and nitrogen content and the microstructure comprising martensite, retained austenite, and finely distributed nitrides and carbides are significant parameters determining the properties of a component. Our present knowledge posits that these multi-phase microstructures represent optimal material conditions. The reliability of a process is strongly dependent on the process control. Previous studies examined the use of ammonia sensors in the exhaust gas to determine atmospheric nitrogen potemtial. Such measurements were used to establish the equilibrium ratios in the austenite. Phase diagrams were also found for corresponding alloy systems in order to determine maximum solubilities and precipitation in the presence of interacting carbon and nitrogen content. To further improve the reliability of carbonitriding, this final project discusses the simulation of carbon and nitrogen profiles and the precipitation state of carbides and nitrides in order to develop further controlled carbonitriding towards ensuring the reliable results of heat treatment processes.