Work

Impact of KNO3-Based Salt Nitriding Treatment on the Microstructure and Corrosion Resistance of Steel 20MnCr5

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the impact of KNO3-based salt bath nitriding on the microstructure, hardness, and corrosion resistance of 20MnCr5 steel. The nitriding process was conducted at 600 °C for 3 h and resulted in a nitrogen diffusion zone with a thickness that varied across the specimen, reaching a maximum of 70 μm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed no detectable nitrides, indicating nitrogen primarily occupied interstitial sites in the ferrite lattice and caused a lattice expansion of ~0.16%. Nanoindentation measurements showed an 80% increase in surface hardness (10.2 GPa) compared to the substrate (5.67 GPa), attributed to the solid solution strengthening mechanism. In contrast, however, an 18% decrease in Young’s modulus was observed near the surface, likely due to nitrogen-induced lattice distortions and crystal defects. Electrochemical tests in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution showed improved corrosion resistance, with the nitrided specimen exhibiting a 58% lower corrosion rate (1.275 mm/year) compared to untreated steel (3.04 mm/year). Despite a cathodic shift in corrosion potential, indicating localized susceptibility, the surface layer acted as a partial barrier to chloride ingress. The study demonstrates that KNO3-based salt nitriding is an environmentally friendly alternative to cyanide-based processes that offers good surface hardness and corrosion resistance, but needs to be further optimized.

Source: Materials

DOI: 10.3390/ma18081857

Authors: Matej Fonović, Dario Kvrgić, Lovro Liverić, Ivna Kavre Piltaver

Institutions: University of Rijeka, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula

Language: English

Topic: Surface Treatment and Coatings

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

Funders: Sveučilište u Rijeci, European Commission, NextGenerationEU