Hybrid Use of Plasma Nitriding and Ultrasonic Nanocrystal Surface Modification on Hot Work Steel (H13)

摘要

An ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (UNSM) technique was applied to a plasma nitrided specimen deposited onto an AISI type H13 hot work die steel substrate with the aim of improving the mechanical and tribological properties. The microstructure of the plasma nitrided and UNSM-treated specimens before and after tests was examined using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Raman spectroscopy. It is expected that the UNSM-treated specimen have much denser microstructure, smoother surface, higher hardness, lower friction and higher resistance to wear compared to that of the plasma nitrided specimen.