Properties of multicomponent surface layers produced on steels by modified plasma nitriding processes

New methods for improving the performance properties of surface layers on steels consists also the modification of the nitriding process. This paper presents the properties of multicomponent layers produced by glow discharge nitriding process followed by oxidizing, nitriding followed by PACVD technique carried out in the atmosphere composed of Ti(OC3H7)(4) vapours and by the electrochemical deposition of chromium on steel combined with the glow discharge assisted nitriding. The results of metallographical, X-ray examinations and the measurements of the corrosion and frictional wear resistance are presented. These treatments essentially improve the properties of nitrided layers and can be performed in a conventional apparatus designed for glow discharge assisted nitriding process during a sole technological operation. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.