Nitriding HS6-5-2 Steel in Inductively Coupled Plasma

Abstract

This article presents research on the possibility of obtaining a hardened surface layer via nitriding in coupled plasma (ICP) for HS6-5-2 steel. The subject of the investigation was the influence of the process parameters on the properties of the obtained layers. The surface layers were characterized using an optical microscope, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope), EDS (Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy), XRD (X-Ray Diffraction), and a microhardness tester. The generator power was changed gradually from 500 W to 2 kW and the tests were carried out for various process durations, from 15 to 45 minutes at a set pressure. The obtained results show the possibility of obtaining nitrided surface layers with a thickness of up to 0.1 mm and a significant increase in hardness in a very short time.