Improved Mechanical Properties, Wear and Corrosion Resistance of 316L Steel by Homogeneous Chromium Nitride Layer Synthesis Using Plasma Nitriding

Here, pulsed plasma nitriding of AISI-316L austenite stainless steel is conducted in a narrow range of temperature 510-550 °C and simultaneous combination of expanded austenite phase, and homogenous, dense chromium nitride phase is attained in a single processing unit, with relative low-cost equipment and single-step processing. The results show a noteworthy enhancement in nanohardness at 530 °C, whereas best wear resistance is achieved by processing at 550 °C. A dual-layer structure is obtained constituted of expanded austenite phase covered by quite homogenous chromium nitride phase, which is probably responsible for the dramatic surface improvement. The wear mechanism is changed after plasma processing (abrasive to adhesive wear), and the friction coefficient is reduced and smoother, particularly for the sample treated at 530 °C. Interestingly, the corrosion resistance is also found to be enhanced, even in the presence of chromium nitride (which usually deteriorate the corrosion resistance), which is probably credited to the formation of fine-grained and homogeneous CrN layer over the expanded austenite phase. This study suggests that the development of homogenous CrN layer over the expanded austenite structure is highly valuable for mechanical and tribological features, and it enhances the corrosion resistance.