STUDY OF MODIFIED STEEL SURFACES

The effect of nitriding (by laser impact in a stream of nitrogen; in e lectrolytic plasma, or by ion implantation) on the mechanical, electro chemical, and corrosion properties of surfaces was studied. Nitrogen e nrichment of superficial layers increases the microhardness and passiv ability of structural steels in neutral environments, irrespective of the enrichment technique. The corrosion resistance significantly incre ases as well, it being higher in the case of nitrogen-implanted steel than in steel nitrided in electrolytic plasma or in a stream of nitrog en. This fact seems to be attributed to the higher homogeneity of the implanted surface.