Effects of Hybrid Surface Treatment Composed of Plasma Nitriding and CrN Coating on Friction-Wear Properties of Stainless Steel

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of hybrid surface treatment composed of plasma nitriding (PN) and chromium nitride (CrN) coating on the friction-wear properties, the adhesion strength of AISI 316L stainless steel. The CrN coatings with the thickness of 1.0 µm and 2.2 µm were formed on the surfaces of both substrates with plasma nitriding (PN/CrN coating) and without plasma nitriding (CrN coating). The plasma nitriding, CrN coatings, and the hybrid treatment improved markedly the friction-wear properties of the stainless steel. The plasma nitriding generated a hardened layer between the soft substrate and the thin hard coatings and improved markedly friction-wear properties of the CrN-coated stainless steel and the adhesion of the CrN coatings.