Effects of Nitrogen Ion Implantation in 304 Stainless Steel at High Temperatures

Abstract

ABSTRACTWe studied the effect of varying the target temperature (by changing the beam power) on the structure and properties of nitrogen ion implanted 304 stainless steel. With a beam power of 0.1 W/ cm2 the target temperature is restricted to 150°C. After a dose of 3. 5x1017N2+/cm2 the microhardness measured at 10g increases by 15%. With a beam power of 1.1 W/cm2 the target temperature is 500°C. After the same dose as before, the irdcrohardness increase is 40%. Glancing Angle X-ray Diffraction and Auger depth profiling results suggest that the increased hardness is due to the presence of nitrogen in solution as opposed to complete precipitation. A sample deformed by compression formed an enhanced oxide layer during implantation. This oxide layer appears to have a capping action against the out-diffusion of nitrogen.