The Microstructure of Tool Steel after Low Temperature Ion Nitriding

TL;DR

This study investigates the microstructural changes in H13 tool steel after low-temperature ion nitriding at 400°C, analyzing nitrogen profiles and nitride formation using advanced microscopy and spectroscopy techniques.

Contribution

It provides detailed insights into the microstructural development and nitrogen diffusion behavior in tool steel under low-temperature ion nitriding conditions.

Findings

Nitrogen concentration-depth profiles were characterized.

Precipitation of alloying element nitrides was observed.

Microstructural modifications depend on nitrogen surface concentration.

Abstract

The microstructural development in H13 tool steel upon nitriding by an ion beam process was investigated. The nitriding experiments were performed at a relatively low temperature of about 400\deg C and at constant ion beam energy (400 eV) of different doses in a high-vacuum preparation chamber; the ion source was fed with high purity nitrogen gas. The specimens were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), and grazing incidence and Bragg-Brentano X-ray diffractometry. In particular, the influence of the nitrogen surface concentration on the development of the nitrogen concentration-depth profile and the possible precipitation of alloying element nitrides are discussed.