NITRETAÇÃO DE AÇOS INOXIDÁVEIS: AUSTENÍTICO (AISI 316), SUPERMARTENSÍTICO (HP13CR) E MARTENSÍTICO (AISI 420) POR DESCARGA LUMINOSA E DESCARGA LUMINOSA COM GAIOLA CATÓDICA

Abstract

Nitriding by glow discharge (DL) and a new technique called luminous glow discharge with cathodic cage (DLGC) were techniques widely employed today for surface treatment. In the present work were investigated nanoscale tribo-mechanical properties of three grades:austenitic stainless steel (AISI 316), Martensitic (AISI 420) and supermartensitic (HP13Cr) subjected to treatments by DL and DLGC techniques. Martensitic steels have been previously heat-treated in 1025 C (AISI 420) and 1100C (HP13Cr) with subsequent rapid cooling in oil. The three classes of steels have been nitrided using the following parameters of temperature – time : 350 C/6 h, 400 C/6 h e 450 C/6 h (to DL and DLGC). The nitriding treatments were held in atmospheres of N2/H2 in the proportions of 20 %-80 % (in volume) to DL and 80 %-20 % (in volume) to DLGC. For the characterization of the samples were employed the techniques of x-ray diffraction (DRX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy (OM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDS). The mechanical properties were evaluated by instrumented indentation (II), and, with the same equipment, the nano scratch tests. In the samples treated by DL the temperature influence the formation of different stages (γN or αN, γ'-Fe4N, ε-Fe2 + xN, CrN). In the treatments carried out at low temperature (350 C) the predominant phase formed is γN to austenitic steel AISI 316 and phases γ' and ε for martensitic steels HP13Cr and AISI 420, due to difference in solubility and diffusivity of nitrogen in the austenite and martensite phases.Nitriding treatments by DL cause the effect of chromium depletion to all steels in the temperature of 450°C. To DLGC treatments occurs the formation of ε phase regardless of temperature. By this way higher temperatures favor the formation of the phases γN and αN. In treatments by DLGC, hardness of the deposited layer measured by II remained, regardless of steel, next to that of the reference sample. The hardness of the modified layers existing below the films produced by DLGC is next the hardness of the layers produced by DL but no border effect and low roughness. In treatments by DL, the hardness increased from 2,5 GPa up to 15,5 GPa for steel AISI 316. The estimated thicknesses of modified surfaces treated by DL are superior to those of the layers deposited and modified by DLGC at same parameters. The scratch resistance of modified surfaces by DL increases to any conditions of treatment. The greatest value of critical load of scratch resistance obtained (126.7 ± 32.1 mN) for the layers deposited by DLGC is too low for typical applications expected of these steels. However, further analyzes are necessary in the modified layer to check the applicability of this technique for these steels.The conditions of excellence found for DL technique can provide an increase in the useful life of the parts treated in the media, where they are employed that require good mechanical and tribological properties.