Titanium diffusion coatings on austenitic steel obtained by the pack cementation method

Abstract

The surface of specimens made of 316L austenitic steel was modified by titanium diffusion. The diffusion coatings were obtained by packing in a powder mixture consisting of titanium powder, NH4Cl and Al2O3 powder. The procedure required high temperatures, over 900 ?C, and long durations. Atomic titanium was formed in the muffle during the process. Titanium atoms from the metallic part surfaces diffuse towards the interior and a diffusion layer is formed as a function of the steel composition. Titanium diffusion into the surface of 316L austenitic steel determines the formation of a complex coating: a thin layer of TiN at the exterior and a layer consisting of compounds containing Ti, Ni and Fe in the interior of the coating. The obtained coatings were continuous, adherent and had a hardness higher than that of the substrate material. The diffusion coatings were investigated by optical and electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Vickers microhardness tests.