On lattice plane rotation and crystallographic structure of the expanded austenite in plasma nitrided AISI 316L steel

Crystallographic structure and lattice rotation of the ‘expanded’ austenite produced by means of low temperature plasma nitriding is investigated. The microstructure of the nitrogen enriched layer has been investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) while the lattice rotations in the nitrided zone were assessed by electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). The nitrogen depth profiles have been determined by means of glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy and nuclear reaction analysis. XRD shows the presence of the ‘expanded’ austenite or γN phase in all the nitrided samples characterized by average larger lattice spacing in relation to non-nitrided steel matrix. EBSD investigation demonstrates that in addition to the lattice expansion nitrogen incorporation into the stainless steel matrix induces significant lattice rotations. The amount and direction of these crystallographic plane rotations are function of the initial orientation. An unusual evolution of the 220 γN line as a function of the nitriding duration is observed together with an anomalously high intensity ratio of the 111 and 200 γN and matrix lines. The XRD results are interpreted on the basis of the lattice rotations of diffracting planes, nitrogen concentration gradient, nitrogen diffusion anisotropy and residual stress. It shows that these rotations are a pertaining feature for the understanding of the γN microstructure.