Medium-temperature plasma immersion-ion implantation of austenitic stainless steel

Conventional elevated-temperature plasma immersion-ion implantation (PIII) is usually conducted at 350 degrees C, or above, to achieve a thick modifie d layer for practical engineering applications. In this paper, we focus on medium-temperature pill treatment of SS304 stainless steel. Two experimenta l protocols: high frequency, low voltage (LV); and high voltage (HV), low f requency are evaluated. The samples are characterized by Auger electron spe ctroscopy, glancing angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), corrosion test, pin-on-d isk friction and wear test, and so on, to determine the composition, phase structure, as well as the tribological properties of the modified layer. Ou r results indicate that pill at 300 degrees C not only improves the mechani cal properties, but also the corrosion resistance. Comparison of the wear t racks shows that 300 degrees C-PIII results in an 11-fold improvement in th e surface-wear resistance. A procedure involving high implantation flux at LV is more favorable to the formation of a thick modified layer with a high er nitrogen concentration. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserv ed.