Martensite transformation induced by plasma nitrocarburizing on AISI304 austenitic stainless steel.

Abstract: In this paper, martensite transformation induced by plasma nitrocarburizing in AISI304 austenitic stainless steel is investigated. The optical micrographs and XRD results indicate the dual-layer structure of the nitrocarburized layer: the outer martensite transformation layer and the inner C supersaturated austenite layer. The initial transformation microstructure presents as nanoscale qusai-pealite which is composed of α′-martensite and NaCl-type MX (M = Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni; X = C, N) phase. The martensite transformation layer possesses high hardness and good ductility. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]