Structure and Topography Modifications of Treated AISI 316LN Stainless Steel Surfaces after Friction in Dry Sliding Contact by Case Hardening Process

Abstract

Austenitic stainless is having corrosion resistance property, but certain mechanical applications require improved resistance to wear, inferior cavitation, susceptibility to sensitization. These steels have numerous favourable circumstances for great cryogenic - properties, anti-corrosion, and bio-compatibility. So these steels have a broad application in low temperature innovation, saltwater applications, nourishment industry, bio-medicine, petro-chemical handling, and so forth when alloyed with nitrogen, austenitic treated steels has a progressively steady austenite structure, better mechanical properties and better wear opposition, which has animated extraordinary enthusiasm for this exploration work. Many surface hardening techniques are available, the best surface modification technique is chosen for improved service performance. Surface engineering is a technique to alter the surface of a material by mechanical or microchemical method without affecting the material properties. The alterations are done on the surfaces subjected to the liquid nitriding process to produce a hardened surface. Chosen for this research workbased on their wide application, the wear behaviour of AISI 316LN stainless steels was investigated. Of the various surface hardening techniques available, nitriding is chosen, so that these nitrogen gets penetrated into the material, in which hard iron chromium nitrides are formed at the surface level. AISI 316LN specimens were subjected to salt bath nitriding process. The specimens were nitrided to 60 minutes, 120 minutes and 180 minutes respectively. The specimens were undergone with wear tests by standardized tribiological wear machine and finally the metallographic studies were made.

Assessment of Wear Properties on Treated AISI 410 Martensitic Stainless Steel by Annealing Process

“…Annealing is a heat treatment technique that includes heating a material, keeping it at a given temperature for a certain period of time, and then gently cooling it to change its characteristics. In the case of martensitic stainless steel AISI410, annealing can help to improve its machinability and ductility, reduce internal stresses and improve its resistance to cracking during processing [18][19][20][21][22]. The annealing process for AISI 410 typically involves heating the steel to a temperature between 723°C to 950°C, depending on the desired properties, and holding it at that temperature for a period of time, typically between 45 minutes to 3 hours.…”

Analysis of Wear Behaviour on AISI 431 Martensitic Stainless Steel by Vacuum Annealing Process

“…Annealing is a heat treatment process used to alter the microstructure of a hardened material, in order to achieve specific mechanical, electrical, or other material properties. In the case of AISI 431 stainless steel, which is a martensitic stainless steel often used in applications where corrosion resistance and moderate strength are required, annealing plays a significant role in tailoring its properties [19][20][21][22]. To achieve maximum softness and ductility, the steel is heated to a temperature above its critical temperature around 723-840°C, held several hours and cooled in furnace.…”

Effects of Salt Bath Nitriding Process on AISI 309 Stainless Steel

“…In order to harden the surface of stainless steel, gas and plasma nitriding procedures are ineffective and the duration of process is long [21][22][23][24][25]. Various defects were identified because of diffusion of ammonia gas.…”