Tentative modelling of nitriding with ion beams, the role of surface effects
G. Abrasonis, P. Méheust, J. Rivière
Mar 1, 2002
Citations
2
Citations
Journal
Surface & Coatings Technology
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Semantic Scholar
Key Takeaway Key Takeaway: Nitriding with ion beams at elevated temperatures leads to a thick solid solution phase with a high nitrogen content, benefiting stainless steel properties, driven by mobile vacancies and surface atom displacements.
Abstract
Abstract Nitriding of austenitic stainless steel under high ion current density (≈1 mA cm −2 ) and at elevated temperatures (350–430 °C) leads to the formation of a relatively thick solid solution phase (several microns) with a high nitrogen content (20–30 at.%), which is known to have beneficial effects on the properties of the stainless steel. The model presented in this work is an attempt of a new approach to investigate the fundamental driving mechanisms of anomalous penetration depth of nitrogen into the austenitic stainless steel. It is based on balance equations which include processes of preferential sputtering, surface atoms displacements, creation of defects by irradiation and thermal diffusion. The development of the surface roughness and the formation of an altered layer highly enriched by nitrogen is analyzed and it is concluded that the transport of nitrogen into the bulk could result from a flux of matrix atoms driven by mobile vacancies at elevated temperatures. This behavior is consistent with an altered layer ‘growth’ that is controlled by the ion beam induced displacements of surface atoms rather by thermal diffusion.