Surface properties of nitrided layer on AISI 316L austenitic stainless steel produced by high temperature plasma nitriding in short time

- The 8 μm nitrided layer was produced on the surface of AISI 316L stainless steel by plasma nitrided at high temperatures (540 °C) within 1 h.
- The nitrided layer consisted of nitrogen expanded austenite and possibly a small amount of free-CrN and iron nitrides.
- It could critically reduce processing time compared with low temperature nitriding.
- High temperature plasma nitriding could improve pitting corrosion resistance of the substrate in 3.5% NaCl solution.