Gradient self-organized dislocation in expanded austenite layer during low temperature nitriding

Abstract A typical nitrogen expanded austenite layer is formed by plasma-based low-energy ion implantation (PBLEII) on AISI 304L austenitic stainless steel at a moderate temperature of 380 °C. The dislocation self-organization structure in the characterized as an evolution from partial and Lomer-Cottrell dislocations inner near interface to multilayer stacking faults outer nitrided layer. self-organized density forms are essentially dependent plastic deformation, strain-gradient, nitrogen-related fault energies, respectively, due constrained expansion As concentration matrix increases, energy gradually decreases, resulting transformation defect Lamer-Cottrell faults. appropriate stress, which associated with orderly stress relief during self-organization, preserves integrity combinedly improved wear corrosion resistance. Nitriding-induced basically explored formation mechanism layer, contributing development specific low-temperature nitriding steel.