Concentration/depth profiling and wear resistance of nitrogen implanted steels

Abstract

The migration of implanted nitrogen during wear has been investigated. Nitrogen depth profiles measured by Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) and argon sputter milling within wear tracks made in mild steel are reported. These in-track AES profiles are compared with profiles for as-implanted nitrogen and wear-track roughness. Evidence in favour of nitrogen migration beyond the implant depth is qualified by the effect of surface roughness on the AES data. Some preliminary data and thoughts on the role of oxygen in the wear process are presented.