Influence of nitriding time on the microstructural evolution, mechanical properties, and tribological performance of Ti–N nitrided layers via microwave plasma nitriding
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Microwave plasma nitriding is an effective technique for improving the surface properties of titanium, particularly its hardness, wear resistance. This study investigates the influence of nitriding time on the phase transformation, microstructure, mechanical properties, and tribological behavior of titanium nitrided for 1 to 5 hours. The results reveal a transition in the surface phase structure from α-Ti to a dual-phase TiN-Ti2N composition with prolonged nitriding, accompanied by a shift in the preferred orientation of TiN from (111) to (200). Surface morphology evolved from smooth and dense at shorter durations to rough and porous with extended treatment. As the nitriding time increases, the nitrogen concentration gradient across the cross-section of the nitrided layer becomes progressively more uniform. Mechanical testing demonstrated a significant enhancement in hardness and elastic modulus, peaking at 30.58 GPa and 337.72 GPa, respectively, after 5 hours of nitriding. Tribological analysis showed that a nitriding duration of 3 hours achieved the optimal balance of low friction and wear resistance, attributed to the formation of a compact and well-adhered nitrided layer with favorable surface properties. Prolonged nitriding, while increasing surface hardness, resulted in higher surface roughness and wear track degradation due to abrasive and oxidative mechanisms.
DOI: 10.1116/6.0004530
Authors: Junhui Zhang, Zhigang Xu, Peng Gao, Xiuyi Li, Jian Peng, Qiang Shen, Chuanbin Wang
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4409699174