Sliding wear behaviour of electrolytic plasma nitrided cast iron and steel

A new nitriding method, called electrolytic plasma nitriding (EPN), was used for surface modification of a cast iron G3500 and cast steel S0050A. The phase structure of the treated samples was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Hardness of the treated and untreated cast iron and steel was measured using a microhardness tester, and their tribological properties were evaluated using a pin-on-disc tribometer at dry and lubricated testing conditions. Scanning electron microscopy and surface profilometry were also employed to study their wear behaviours. It was found that the EPN treatment could significantly increase hardness and wear resistance of the cast iron and cast steel.