Increased wear resistance of electrodeposited chromium through applications of plasma source ion implantation techniques

Three plasma source ion implantation (PSII) processes, using either ammonia (NH3), methane (CH4), or oxygen (O-2) gases, are shown to increase the surface hardness and wear resistance of electrodeposited hard chromium. Characterization of the implanted surfaces indicates the formation of hard compounds, namely polycrystalline chromium-nitride (CrN), chromium-carbide (Cr3C2), and chromium-oxide (Cr2O3). For wear resistant applications of hard Cr coatings, PSII processes could extend the wear lifetime of coated components. By extending the lifetime and thus reducing the need for re-coating, PSII processes could also reduce the amounts of carcinogenic Cr+6 released into the environment.