Optimized AISI 304 steel nitriding in inductive RF N2–H2 plasmas

Optimal surface nitriding is closely related to plasma chemical composition. The effects of Plasma-Immersion Ion Implantation (PIII) nitriding with 15% N 2 +85% H 2 type mixtures have been studied. A simplified PIII facility was assembled around an evacuated Pyrex cylindrical 500 mm long reactor with a 190 mm inner diameter, over which a 3.2 mm wide antenna was coaxially wound with a 240 mm inner diameter. The system was supplied by a 13.56 MHz RF generator whose electric component developed the plasma discharge. After the admission of the gas mixture to the reactor vessel the breakdown took place within 5–15 Pa work pressure and 450–500W RF power. The main plasma parameters were characterized including a 1.8 × 10 18 to 3.1 × 10 18 m −3 density by means of double Langmuir probes. An additional DC power supply was selected in order to bias AISI 304 stainless steel samples with a view to improving the steel hardness properties without compromising its corrosion resistance. The samples treated at different temperatures and for several periods, were evaluated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), which indicated the formation of nitrides, identified as Fe 3 NiN and FeNiN and can be associated with the enhanced austenitic phase of the stainless steel. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) assessed the atomic percentages of nitrogen both on the sample surface and through their cross-section. Vickers microhardness (HV) tests exhibited up to a 6–7 times increase at a 500g load. Finally, Raman spectroscopy studies established four active modes at 215, 267, 385 and 490 cm −1 with temperatures between 400 and 500 °C.