karbonitridatsiya

Karbonitridatsiya is a thermochemical surface hardening process used to improve the wear resistance and fatigue strength of steel components. It involves the simultaneous diffusion of carbon and nitrogen atoms into the surface layer of the steel at elevated temperatures, typically between 800 and 1000 degrees Celsius. This diffusion creates a hard, wear-resistant case.

The process is usually carried out in a gaseous atmosphere containing carbon and nitrogen-donating compounds, such as ammonia and hydrocarbons. The specific composition of the gas mixture and the treatment time are critical factors that determine the depth and properties of the hardened layer. Karbonitridatsiya can be applied to various types of steel, including low-carbon, medium-carbon, and alloy steels.

Unlike nitriding, which primarily introduces nitrogen, or carburizing, which primarily introduces carbon, karbonitridatsiya introduces both elements, resulting in a compound layer and a diffusion zone with a higher hardness and a steeper hardness gradient. This combination offers superior performance characteristics.

The resulting surface layer has a fine-grained structure with a high density of carbides and nitrides, which are responsible for the enhanced hardness and wear resistance. The diffusion zone beneath the compound layer provides a gradual transition in properties, which helps to avoid brittle fracture.

Karbonitridatsiya is commonly employed in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and tooling manufacturing for components like gears, camshafts, crankshafts, and cutting tools. The process offers advantages such as good dimensional stability, resistance to fatigue crack initiation, and improved scuffing resistance compared to other surface hardening methods.