Surface Layer Hardness of Austenitic Stainless Steel via Low Temperature Plasma Carburizing and/or Nitriding

Abstract

Surface layer hardness and concentration profiles of austenitic stainless steels after plasma carburizing and /or nitriding at 673 K were investigated. Carbon and nitrogen concentration were measured by glow discharge optical emission spectrometry (GDOES) and carbides or nitrides were detected by x-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and TEM. The state of carbon at the treated surface was investigated by Raman spectroscopy. Separation of carburized layer and nitrided layer was observed in a simultaneous carburizing and nitriding plasma treatment.