Improvement of the Quality of the Diffusion Layer in High-Alloy Steels after Gas-Cyclic Nitriding Processes

The results of the study of gas-cyclic nitriding of corrosion-resistant steels of austenitic and martensitic classes are discussed. This process involves alternating atmospheres of ammonia and air in an isothermal process mode and a stepwise process with a final stage in a low-activity saturating atmosphere. Factors that improve the quality of the diffusion layer have been established, contributing to increased wear resistance and maximum preservation of steel’s impact resistance due to reduced stresses at the boundary layer with the matrix.