The Duplex Coating Formation Using Plasma Nitriding and CrN PVD Deposition on X39CrMo17-1 Stainless Steel

Abstract

The nitriding process is a well-known technology for increasing of wear resistance of steel. The conventional gas nitriding process of stainless steel is difficult in the case of surface passivation and formation of Cr2O3. The using of plasma enables to form hard surface area during the nitriding process. The plasma nitriding process was developed using Ionit Metaplas device. The kinetic growth was analysed in 2, 4, 6 and 8 h processes. The plasma gasses composition was selected for formation only diffusion layer without “white area” of nitrides. The microstructure, chemical and phase composition were analysed. As a result, the diffusion layer was formed. The iron nitrides formed the precipitations in the diffusion layer. The obtained results showed that 4h process enables to form nitride layer with required composition and hardness. The relationship between process time and nitride layer thickness and its hardness was observed.