What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to examine the effects of plasma nitriding on the hardness and nitride layer thickness of medium manganese steels containing aluminium.

February 2, 2026Open Access

Study of Nitrogen Diffusion in Aluminum Containing Plasma-Nitrided Air-Hardening Medium Manganese Steels

Key Points

This research aims to examine the effects of plasma nitriding on the hardness and nitride layer thickness of medium manganese steels containing aluminium.
Studied temperature effects from 500-700°C on AHD steels with 4% manganese and varying aluminium content.
Conducted chemical analysis and nitrogen diffusion profiling using Electron Probe Micro-Analysis (EPMA).
Calculated nitrogen diffusion coefficients to assess temperature dependency.
Nitrogen diffusion is significantly influenced by temperature, with higher temperatures resulting in more pronounced effects.
At 500°C, a compound layer with γ'-Fe4N or γ'/ɛ phases is present across alloys.
Increased aluminium levels correlated with thicker nitride layers and improved diffusivity.
Treatment duration showed minimal impact on layer growth while nitrogen diffusion caused carbon displacement in alloys.

Abstract

This study explores the effects of plasma nitriding on the surface hardness and nitride compound layer thickness of AHD steels containing 4% manganese, with a focus on aluminium content and treatment temperature. A temperature range from 500-700°C was studied. Chemical analysis and nitrogen diffusion profiles were obtained via Electron Probe Micro-Analysis (EPMA). Results showed nitrogen diffusion during plasma nitriding is highly temperature-dependent. At 500°C, a compound layer comprising γ'- Fe 4 N or γ' /ɛ - phases was observed across all three investigated alloys. Elevated aluminum levels promote thicker nitride layers and higher diffusivity, whereas treatment duration has a comparatively minor influence on layer growth. Additionally, nitrogen diffusion induces a displacement effect on carbon within the alloys interior, affecting overall microstructural evolution. The nitrogen diffusion coefficient was calculated, revealing an increase with rising temperature. These findings underscore the significant roles of process temperature and alloy composition in tailoring microstructural modifications and enhancing mechanical properties through plasma nitriding of AHD steels.

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