INCREASED WEAR-RESISTANCE OF ELECTRODEPOSITED CHROMIUM THROUGH APPLICATIONS OF PLASMA SOURCE ION-IMPLANTATION TECHNIQUES

Three plasma source ion implantation (PSII) processes, using either am monia (NH3), methane (CH4), or oxygen (O-2) gases, are shown to increa se the surface hardness and wear resistance of electrodeposited hard c hromium. Characterization of the implanted surfaces indicates the form ation of hard compounds, namely polycrystalline chromium-nitride (CrN) , chromium-carbide (Cr3C2), and chromium-oxide (Cr2O3). For wear resis tant applications of hard Cr coatings, PSII processes could extend the wear lifetime of coated components. By extending the lifetime and thu s reducing the need for re-coating, PSII processes could also reduce t he amounts of carcinogenic Cr+6 released into the environment.