Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Mechanical and Tribological Characterization of Salt Bath Nitrocarburized 4150 Steel

  • Original Research Article
  • Published:
Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

AISI 4150 steel was nitrocarburized in a molten salt bath to investigate its applications in gun barrels. Cross-section examinations by SEM revealed layer formation in nitrocarburized 4150 steel. The oxide and compound layers were found to be 2 and 10 µm thick, respectively. The diffusion zone was measured to be 263 µm from Vickers microhardness tests performed on the cross section of nitrocarburized samples. Nanohardness (H), H/E ratio, and H3/E2 ratio of nitrocarburized 4150 steel were observed to be 2.25, 3.63, and 33 times higher than those of untreated steel. Friction and wear properties of nitrocarburized and untreated steel were evaluated using a pin-on-disk tribometer against an oxygen-free copper disk, given its use in shell jackets. A total of 12 test cases, under the conditions of a sliding velocity of 2 m s-1, normal loads of 30, 40, and 50 N, and temperatures of 25, 300, 400, and 500 °C, were investigated. A decrease of 1.03 to 1.5 times in coefficient of friction (COF) and a decrease of 1.2 to 3.3 times in wear rate was observed after nitrocarburization. A combined mechanism of adhesion, abrasion, and delamination with mild oxidation was observed at 25 °C, whereas strong oxidation was profound at 300 °C.

Graphical Abstract

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. J. Ma, The Law of Barrel Wear and Its Application, Def. Technol., 2018, 14(6), p 674–676.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. C.H. Dou, P.F. Jin, C.Z. Wang, J.J. Li, C. Zhang, J.F. Huang and C. Zhang, The Kirkendall Effect on Erosion Resistance of Chrome-Coated 25Cr3Mo2WNiV and 30SiMn2MoV Gun Barrel Steels, J. Mater. Sci. Technol., 2023, 177, p 246–255.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. C. Monturo, Barrel Manufacturing and Rifling, Elsevier, Forensic Firearm Examination, 2019, p 143–155

    Google Scholar 

  4. K. Derelizade, A. Rincon, F. Venturi, R.G. Wellman, A. Kholobystov and T. Hussain, High Temperature (900 °C) Sliding Wear of CrNiAlCY Coatings Deposited by High Velocity Oxy Fuel Thermal Spray, Elsevier, Amsterdam, 2022, p 432

    Google Scholar 

  5. R. Latif, M.F. Jaafar, M.F. Aziz, A.R.M. Zain, J. Yunas and B.Y. Majlis, Influence of Tantalum’s Crystal Phase Growth on the Microstructural Electrical and Mechanical Properties of Sputter-Deposited Tantalum Thin Film Layer, Int. J. Refract. Metals Hard Mater., 2020, 92, p 105314.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. D. Lim, B. Ku, D. Seo, C. Lim, E. Oh, S.E. Shim and S.-H. Baeck, Pulse-Reverse Electroplating of Chromium from Sargent Baths: Influence of Anodic Time on Physical and Electrochemical Properties of Electroplated Cr, Int. J. Refract. Metals Hard Mater., 2020, 89, p 105213.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. V. Vitry, J. Hastir, A. Mégret, S. Yazdani, M. Yunacti and L. Bonin, Recent Advances in Electroless Nickel-boron Coatings, Surf. Coat. Technol., 2022, 429, p 127937.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. F. Doğan, M. Uysal, H. Algül, E. Duru, H. Akbulut and S. Aslan, Optimization of Pulsed Electro Co-Deposition for Ni-B-TiN Composites and the Variation of Tribological and Corrosion Behaviors, Surf. Coat. Technol., 2020, 400, p 126209.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Y. Sun and R. Bailey, Comparison of Wear Performance of Low Temperature Nitrided and Carburized 316L Stainless Steel under Dry Sliding and Corrosive-Wear Conditions, J. Mater. Eng. Perform., 2023, 32(3), p 1238–1247.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Q. Zhao, H. Luo, Z. Pan, X. Wang, H. Cheng and Y. Zong, Effect of Ion Nitriding on Properties of High Carbon Chromium Bearing Steel Containing Rare Earth Elements, J. Mater. Eng. Perform., 2023 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11665-023-08446-8

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. G. Kartal Sireli, H. Yuce, M. Arslan, M. Karimzadehkhoei and S. Timur, Improving the Surface Performance of Discarded AISI T1 Steel by Cathodic Reduction and Thermal Diffusion-Based Boriding, J. Mater. Eng. Perform., 2023, 32(21), p 9504–9514.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. P.J. Kiran, V. Srinivas, A. Basu, C. Nouveau and K.R.M. Rao, Elevated Temperature Plasma Nitriding of CrMoV Tool Steel for the Enhancement of Hardness and Wear Resistance, J. Mater. Eng. Perform., 2023, 32(21), p 9540–9549.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. L. Zhang, C. Ren, Q. Yu, J. Zhang, S. Sun, Q. Ren, Y. Lian, X. Chen and W. Gao, Microstructure and Properties of 1Cr12Ni2WMoVNb (GX-8) Steel Bored Barrels with and without QPQ Treatment, Surf Coat Technol, Elsevier, 2017, 315, p 95–104.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. H.Y. Li, D.F. Luo, C.F. Yeung and K.H. Lau, Microstructural Studies of QPQ Complex Salt Bath Heat-Treated Steels, J Mater Process Technol, Elsevier, 1997, 69(1–3), p 45–49.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Y.Z. Shen, K.H. Oh and D.N. Lee, Nitriding of Steel in Potassium Nitrate Salt Bath, Scr. Mater., 2005, 53(12), p 1345–1349.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. G. Li, J. Wang, Q. Peng, C. Li, Y. Wang and B. Shen, Influence of Salt Bath Nitrocarburizing and Post-Oxidation Process on Surface Microstructure Evolution of 17–4PH Stainless Steel, J. Mater. Process. Technol., 2008, 207(1–3), p 187–192.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. M. Tsujikawa, N. Yamauchi, N. Ueda, T. Sone and Y. Hirose, Behavior of Carbon in Low Temperature Plasma Nitriding Layer of Austenitic Stainless Steel, Surf. Coat. Technol., 2005, 193(1–3), p 309–313.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. R.L. Liu, M.F. Yan and D.L. Wu, Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 17–4PH Steel Plasma Nitrocarburized with and without Rare Earths Addition, J. Mater. Process. Technol., 2010, 210(5), p 784–790.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. A. Bracq, J.-S. Brest, J.A. de Sampaio, F. Moitrier and Y. Demarty, Characterization and Modelling of the Mechanical Behaviour of Metal Rings: Application to a Brass Bullet Jacket, Forces in Mechanics, 2021, 4, p 100030.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. D.F. Allsop and M.A. Toomey, “Small Arms: General Design,” Brassey’s, 1999.

  21. Y.H. Qiang, S.R. Ge and Q.J. Xue, Microstructure and Tribological Properties of Complex Nitrocarburized Steel, J. Mater. Process. Technol., 2000, 101(1–3), p 180–185.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Y. Liu, Y. Sun, W. Zhang and X. Du, Effect of QPQ Nitriding Parameters on Properties of Pearlite Ductile Cast Iron, Int. J. Metalcast., 2019, 14(2), p 556–563. https://doi.org/10.1007/S40962-019-00384-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. L. Zeng, Y. Wu, M. Peng, S. Hong and B. Dong, Magnetite-Facilitated Growth of a Layered Double Hydroxide Film on Steel for Improved Anti-Corrosion, Appl. Clay Sci., 2023, 237, p 106899.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. S. Lu, F. Meng, W. Cai, W. Wei and J. Hu, Effect of QPQ Treatment on the Performance for H13 Die Steel, Acta Metallurgica Slovaca, 2017, 23(3), p 251–256.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Z. Cai, X. Chen, L. Rui-Tang, X.L. Wang and F. Zhang, Investigation of the Fretting Corrosion Mechanism of QPQ-Treated TP316H Steel in Liquid Sodium at 450 °C, Corros. Sci., 2022, 201, p 110282.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. W.L. Chen, C.L. Wu, Z.R. Liu, S. Ni, Y. Hong, Y. Zhang and J.H. Chen, Phase Transformations in the Nitrocarburizing Surface of Carbon Steels Revisited by Microstructure and Property Characterizations, Acta Mater., 2013, 61(11), p 3963–3972.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. W. Cai, F. Meng, X. Gao and J. Hu, Effect of QPQ Nitriding Time on Wear and Corrosion Behavior of 45 Carbon Steel, Appl. Surf. Sci., 2012, 261, p 411–414.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. P. Sudharshan Phani, W.C. Oliver and G.M. Pharr, Measurement of Hardness and Elastic Modulus by Load and Depth Sensing Indentation: Improvements to the Technique Based on Continuous Stiffness Measurement, J. Mater. Res., 2021, 36(11), p 2137–2153.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. W.C. Oliver and G.M. Pharr, An Improved Technique for Determining Hardness and Elastic Modulus Using Load and Displacement Sensing Indentation Experiments, J. Mater. Res., 1992, 7(6), p 1564–1583.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. W.D. Nix and H. Gao, Indentation Size Effects in Crystalline Materials: A Law for Strain Gradient Plasticity, J. Mech. Phys. Solids, 1998, 46(3), p 411–425.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. B.D. Beake, The Influence of the H/E Ratio on Wear Resistance of Coating Systems – Insights from Small-Scale Testing, Surf. Coat. Technol., 2022, 442, p 128272.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. M.S. Gök, Y. Küçük, A. Erdoğan, M. Öge, E. Kanca and A. Günen, Dry Sliding Wear Behavior of Borided Hot-Work Tool Steel at Elevated Temperatures, Surf. Coat. Technol., 2017, 328, p 54–62.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. K.Z. Gahr, Microstructure and Wear of Material. Tribology Series, 10, Elsevier Science Ltda, Amsterdam, 1987.

    Google Scholar 

  34. J. Jiang, F.H. Stott and M.M. Stack, A Generic Model for Dry Sliding Wear of Metals at Elevated Temperatures, Wear, 2004, 256(9–10), p 973–985.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgment

The authors express their gratitude to the Director of ARDE and the Vice Chancellor of DIAT (DU), Pune, India, for permitting them to utilize the experimental facilities. Additionally, the authors extend their appreciation to Dr. N. B. Dhokey of COEP, Pune, for providing valuable assistance with the pin-on-disk test. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, Pune, 411025, India

    Abhishek Soni & A. Kumaraswamy

  2. AMT Centre, Armament Research and Development Establishment, Pune, 411021, India

    B. Praveen Kumar

Authors
  1. Abhishek Soni
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. A. Kumaraswamy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. B. Praveen Kumar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to A. Kumaraswamy or B. Praveen Kumar.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Soni, A., Kumaraswamy, A. & Praveen Kumar, B. Mechanical and Tribological Characterization of Salt Bath Nitrocarburized 4150 Steel. J. of Materi Eng and Perform (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11665-024-09382-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11665-024-09382-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation