EFFECT OF SALT BATH NITRIDING TIME ON THE PERFORMANCES OF 304 STAINLESS STEEL

Abstract

In this study, salt bath nitriding was carried out at 565℃ for various times for 304 stainless steel (304SS). The effect of salt bath nitriding time on the microstructure, micro-hardness and wear resistance was investigated systematically. The results showed a nitriding layer was formed during salt bath nitriding, and the thickness of effective hardening layer is duration dependant. The maximum microhardness value of 1200HV_0.01 was obtained at optimal duration of 150min, which was five times higher than that of the untreated sample. And the wear resistance could be significantly improved by salt bath nitriding, the lowest weight loss after wear resistance was obtained while nitriding for 150min, which was one tenth of that of untreated sample.