Formation of a hybrid coating by the use of plasma nitriding and hard chromium electroplating on the surface of H11 hot work tool steel

Abstract: Formation of a hybrid coating by the use of plasma nitriding and hard chromium electroplating on the surface of H11 hot work tool steel was investigated. Firstly, specimens were plasma nitrided at a temperature of 550 °C for 5 hours in an atmosphere of 25 vol. % H2: 75 vol. % N2. Secondly, electroplating was carried out in a solution containing 250 g/L chromic acid and 2.5 g/L sulphuric acid for 1 hour at 60 °C temperature and 60 A/dm2 current density. Thirdly, specimens were plasma nitrided at a temperature of 550 °C for 5 and 10 hours in an atmosphere of 25 vol. % H2: 75 vol. % N2. The obtained coatings have been compared in terms of composition and hardness. The compositions of the coatings have been studied by X-ray diffraction analysis. The surface morphology and elemental analysis was examined by using scanning electron microscopy. The improvement in hardness distribution after third step is discussed in considering the forward and backward diffusion of nitrogen in the chromium interlayer. Also, the formed phases in the hybrid coating were determined to be CrN+Cr2N+Cr+Fe2-3N+Fe4N.