Feasibility study of aqueous electrolyte plasma nitriding

Abstract

Over the years, developments in nitriding have been driven by the need to address environmental concerns, and reduce both energy consumption and process time. The present investigation demonstrates the feasibility of nitriding of commercial grade austenitic stainless steel, in the plasma generated during the aqueous electrolysis of 5 wt-% solution of ammonium carbonate. Treatment for 20–60 min over a temperature range of 375–480°C yields nitride case depth of 20–60 μm.