The effect of HV in the nitriding of ferritic steels by plasma immersion ion implantation

Nitride formation was studied in various steels with different alloying elements. Results of PI3 nitriding, r.f. nitriding with self bias and DC voltage at 300 and 400°C were compared. It was found that nitriding of ferritic steels depends strongly on the formation of surface nitride layers. The habit of the nitrides and the supersaturation of nitrogen is strongly influenced by the HV pulsing during PI3 and thus also the treatment depth and layer properties.