Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
1572780 Materials Characterization 2008 5 Pages PDF
Abstract
The microstructure of nitro-carburized and post-oxidized 304L austenitic stainless steel (SS) produced by a Quench-Polish-Quench complex salt bath process (QPQ) was investigated. The nitro-carburized coating as a whole consists of CrN, γ′-Fe4N and expanded austenite S(γN). On the post-oxidized surfaces, XRD analyses revealed the existence of a superficial compound ξ-Fe2(N,C) sub-layer, the presence of magnetite (Fe3O4) and a small amount of FeO. At greater depth from the surface of the post-oxidized surface, S(γN) is formed and subsequently transforms partially into CrN and ferrite/martensite (αN). A modestly higher sub-surface hardness and a superior hardness profile were obtained by post-oxidizing, although its surface hardness was lower than that produced by nitro-carburizing alone.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Materials Science Materials Science (General)
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