Title: Experimental research concerning the thermal shock behaviour of some ion nitriding stainless steels

Authors: Vasile Rus, Gavril Negrea, Horatiu Vermesan

Addresses: Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Department of Surface Engineering and Environment Protection, Technical University of Cluj – Napoca, Muncii Avenue 103–105, 400641, Cluj – Napoca, Romania. ' Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Department of Surface Engineering and Environment Protection, Technical University of Cluj – Napoca, Muncii Avenue 103–105, 400641, Cluj – Napoca, Romania. ' Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Department of Surface Engineering and Environment Protection, Technical University of Cluj – Napoca, Muncii Avenue 103–105, 400641, Cluj – Napoca, Romania

Abstract: The main purpose of this work is to investigate the influence of ion nitriding on thermal shock behaviour of two stainless steel grades (austenitic and martensitic). Samples made from the two steel grades were first ion nitrided in dissociated ammonia and H-N-CH mixture and then subjected to thermal shock from 600°C and 500°C by using a home made apparatus. The study put into evidence two different types of crack initiation and crack growth on the two steel grades. Possible mechanisms responsible for such cracking behaviour are also proposed.

Keywords: tools; stainless steel; thermal shock; ion nitriding; austenitic steels; martensitic steels; crack initiation; crack growth; cracking behaviour; microstructure; material properties; heat treatment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMP.2007.012939

International Journal of Microstructure and Materials Properties, 2007 Vol.2 No.1, pp.64 - 72

Published online: 31 Mar 2007 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article