Nitrocarburized Components Part 3: In-situ tool for assessing mechanical performance (KvantNit3)

Important results from the project

The objectives were well met by developing the use of nano-indenter for characterizing nitrided layers via measuring the local stress field around the indentation for different load levels. The project also used gracing incident x-ray scattering tomography to map differences in phase composition for nitrided layers with different degrees of wear. In addition, continued processing of data from a previous project was carried out, which is summarized in a published article and one in preparation.

Expected long term effects

The project was carried out at Petra III (P21.2) and Max IV (NanoMax) and gave an increased interest in the companies Volvo Trucks and Bodycote about LSRI and the knowledge about the impact of heat treatment. The results provided valuable knowledge and understanding of how the layers are built up and what properties are created. The project also evaluated the wear properties of the layers which provided a valuable basis for future studies with LSRI for in-situ measurement of functional testing.

Approach and implementation

The project has produced data for the steel nitriding process, which creates a hard and wear-resistant surface layer. To improve the corrosion properties, oxidation is used which micromechanical properties are currently unknown and measured in this project. In AP1, nano-indentation measurements (transmission) been done to show the adhesion of the layers. I AP2 gracing incident x-ray scattering tomography was made for wear-tested nitrided layer and shown differences from different wear levels.