Corrosion Resistant CrNX Nanolayers Obtained by Low Temperature Ion Nitriding of Hard Chromium Coated AISI 1045 Steel

Chromium nitrides CrXN have attracted research interest due to their excellent wear and corrosion properties when are deposited on steels. Nevertheless, the considerable difference between steel expansion coefficients, microcracks delamination still persistent problems. In this regard, addressed generation of CrNX nanolayers, through an ion nitriding process, carried out hard chromium coated AISI 1045 steel. The effect temperature (500°C-550°C) nitrogen content in plasma (25, 50, 75%) performance layer characteristics were studied. Grazing Incidence X-ray Diffraction analysis revealed that modified surfaces composed constituted by a mixture CrN, Cr2N, Cr, Fe4N. Rietveld quantification shows fraction region analyzed increased with increasing both plasma, resulting CrN as predominant phase for all evaluated conditions. electrochemical behavior nanolayers was studied potentiodynamic polarization technique, revealing enhancement treatment, showing current density 10 times lower than untreated sample more positive potentials nitrided samples concerning