To obtain the optimal nitrocarburizing parameters for SKD11 steel, their specimens have been plasma nitrocarburized at 530 ℃ for different times in a mixed gas of NH3 and CO2 with and without rare earth (RE). The microstructure, microhardness, and wear resistance of surface layers for the treated specimens were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Xray diffraction (XRD), and microhardness and wear testers, respectively. Results show that for SKD11, the optimal parameters for plasma nitrocarburizing treatment are the time of 10 h, NH3to-CO2 ratio of 10∶1, and air pressure in the furnace of 500-700 Pa. Based on the optimal parameters, when adding lanthanum, the nitrocarburized layer becomes thicker and more compact, the gradient of hardness gets smaller from the surface to the core, and the results of plasma nitrocarburizing treatment is better.
CHEN Ji–chao, WU Xiao–chun, YANG Hao–peng.
Technological Parameter and Influence of Rare Earth for Plasma Nitrocarburzing of SKD11[J]. China Surface Engineering, 2012, 25(6): 15-20