Effect of plasma immersion ion implantation of nitrogen on the wear and corrosion behavior of 316LVM stainless steel

Low energy plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) of nitrogen ions on vacuum arc melted 316L (316LVM) austenitic stainless steel has been carried out at three different temperatures namely, 250 degrees C, 380 degrees C and 500 degrees C. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that PIII results in the formation mixed iron-nitrides along with expanded austenite phase at all temperatures. Microhardness measurements revealed a significant increase in hardness after PIII treatment. Corrosion resistance in 3.5% NaCl increases when implanted for 3 h. The passive current density seems to increase with treatment temperature. Wear measurements carried out using a pin-on-disc machine show an increase in wear resistance with rise in treatment temperature. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.