Features of Formation of Diffusion Layer of Steel VNS32-VI Containing Beryllium under Various Types of Thermochemical Treatment

Abstract—A study of the features of the formation of a diffusion layer in beryllium-containing steel VNC32-VI during vacuum nitriding and carburization is carried out. It is established that saturation with carbon and nitrogen makes it possible to remove delta-ferrite from the structure. The sequential combination of nitriding and carburization, owing to the formation of a structure on the surface of the samples that is more favorable for the diffusion of interstitial elements, ensures an increase in the total thickness of the diffusion layer by 5–10 times greater compared with the thickness values for individual treatments.