Influence of the Gas Pressure of Plasma Nitriding on the Structural, Mechanical and Tribological Surface Properties of AISI 316L

In this paper, the influence of gas nitriding (80% H2-20% N2) pressure (between 3 and 7 Torr) on the modification of surface properties of AISI 316L stainless steel is examined. The structural, mechanical, tribological and electrochemical properties of the layer produced in disk samples were studied. The samples’ characteristics were determined by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, electrochemical potential curves, microhardness, roughness and wear tests. When pressure increases, the microhardness, elasticity and thickness also increase. The maximum thickness of the nitrided la...