Metallurgical characteristics of the plasma (ion)-carburized layer of austenitic stainless steel SUS316L

Secondly, measurements taken by Glow Discharge Optical Emission Spectroscopy (GDOES) indicated an “uphill” diffusion phenomenon similar to that reported by L. S. Darken in 1949. According to the carbon distribution profile of the plasma (ion)-carburized specimen moving from the surface to the inner part, the intensity of the carbon initially lowered within the first few microns of depth, reached its nadir, and thereafter rose. The carbon in the layer seemed to be affected by silicon, nickel, and iron, as the intensities of these elements peaked in the plasma (ion)-carburized layer.