Structural Characterization of Ion Nitrided 316L Austenitic Stainless Steel: Influence of Treatment Temperature and Time

The ion nitriding behavior of AISI 316L austenite stainless steel was investigated at different times (2 h, 4 and 9 h) temperatures (450 °C, 500 550 °C). structural characterization has been assessed by several considerations which can be listed: (i) the evaluation phase distribution through Rietveld analysis X-ray diffraction patterns accompanying peak fitting process, (ii) hardness profile related nitride layer thickness microhardness microscopic measurements, (iii) displacement measurements to assess residual stress accumulation. diffusion nitrogen atomic species into sample surface caused a transformation γ matrix an expanded (γN) phase, is recognized with its high wear resistance. Furthermore, depending on condition, chromium (Cr1-2N) iron (ε-Fe2-3N γ′-Fe4N) phases were detected, detrimental corrosion resistance steel. γN observed in all conditions, resulting significant increase hardness. However, decomposition temperature eventually altered layer. Considering phase-type consequent characteristics layer, our best knowledge, this first report ion-nitriding °C (higher than 450 °C) time h proposed as ideal processing parameters leading optimal composition for steels particularly applications requiring combination both