Work

Selective and diffusion surface hardening treatments: Comparative environmental assessment study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Environmental studies focused on steel surface hardening technologies, particularly laser hardening and nitriding treatments, are notably scarce. Consequently, the environmental impact of steel laser hardening and nitriding treatments requires further investigation to identify measures that can enhance the sustainability of the steel component industry. Within this framework, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study was carried out to evaluate and compare the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with steel surface hardening through laser hardening (LH), low pressure nitriding (LPN), and plasma nitriding (PN). The results for Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Cumulative Energy Demand (CED) show that, when considering the treated surface area (m 2 ), LH presents the lowest environmental impact among the three technologies for a single m 2 . Nevertheless, the break-even points were determined to be approximately 2.07 m 2 for PN and 2.55 m 2 for LPN. Although LH exhibits greater environmental impact when larger surface areas are treated, it demonstrates superior environmental performance for smaller treated areas.

Source: Surface Engineering

DOI: 10.1177/02670844261495697

Authors: Carla L. Simões, Ricardo Simoes

Institutions: Empresa de Desenvolvimento Mineiro (Portugal), Universidade Politécnica do Cávado e do Ave

Language: English

Topic: Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,150