Using Mather-type plasma focus device for surface modification of AISI304 Steel

The surface hardness of AISI304 steel was increased by ∼175% after plasma treatment and the thickness of the treated layers was about 1-2 μm. Results show that the surface hardness is increased with increasing shot number and decreased with increasing distance from the anode. Changes in surface morphology and the elemental composition were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX).