Effect of Plasma Nitriding Parameters on the Wear Resistance of Alloy Inconel 718

The effect of the temperature and duration of plasma nitriding on the microstructure and friction and wear parameters of Inconel 718 nickel alloy is investigated. The process of plasma nitriding is conducted in a nitrogen-hydrogen gaseous mixture at a temperature of 400, 500 and 600A degrees C for 1 and 4 h. The modulus of elasticity of the nitrided layer, the micro- and nanohardness, the surface roughness, the friction factor and the wear resistance of the alloy are determined prior to and after the nitriding. The optimum nitriding regime providing the best tribological characteristics is determined.