Low temperature nitriding and carburizing of AISI304 stainless steel by a low pressure plasma arc source

This paper presents results on the nitriding and carbrizing of AISI 304 sta inless steel by a low-pressure plasma are source at 420 degreesC in Ar-N-2- H-2 or Ar-H-2-CH3-COCH3 (acetone) gas mixtures. The working pressure was 0. 3-0.4 Pa and the negative voltage applied to the samples was 0.8-1 kV. The phase of nitrided layer formed on the surface was confirmed by X-ray diffra ction. The hardness of the samples was measured by using a Vickers microhar dness tester with the load of 100 g. X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy and A uger electron spectroscopy were also carried out to elucidate the chemical states and N concentration of the nitrided layer. The surface properties we re investigated by wear and corrosion measurements. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scien ce B.V. All rights reserved.