Home Effect of post-oxidation times in the nitrocarburizing process on the wear behavior of an AISI 4140 steel
Article
Licensed
Unlicensed Requires Authentication

Effect of post-oxidation times in the nitrocarburizing process on the wear behavior of an AISI 4140 steel

  • Ummihan T. Yilmaz

    Prof. Dr. Ummihan T. Yilmaz was born in 1978 and works at the Department of Chemistry, Kirikkale University, Kirikkale, Turkey. She also works as an adviser in the R&D department of Doksan Heat Treatment and R&D Center, Ankara, Turkey. She received her BSc degree from the Department of Chemistry, Gazi University in 2000. She received his MSc and PhD degrees from Gazi University in 2003 and 2008, respectively. Her areas of interest include analytical chemistry, surface treatments, and heat treatments of steels.

         , Ayse Erkan

    Mrs. Ayse Erkan was born in 1957 and is a Director of Research and Development (R&D) at Doksan Heat Treatment and R&D Center, Ankara, Turkey. She received her BSc degree from the Department of Metallurgical Engineering, Middle East Technical University, in 1980. Her research interests include heat treatments of steels and cast irons.

         , Neset Akar

    Assoc. Prof. Dr. Neset Akar was born in 1973 and works at the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey. He graduated from the Department of Metallurgy Education from Gazi University in 1996. He received his MSc and PhD degrees from Gazi University in 2000 and 2006, respectively. His research interests include casting technologies, computer-aided casting design, and semi-solid processing of aluminum alloys.

         and Volkan Kilicli

    Assoc. Prof. Dr. Volkan Kilicli was born in 1980 and works at the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey. He graduated from the Department of Metallurgy Education from Gazi University in 2001. He received his MSc and PhD degrees from Gazi University in 2004 and 2010, respectively. His research interests include heat treatments of steels and cast irons, semi-solid processing of aluminum alloys, self-healing metallic materials, and metal matrix composites.

     ORCID logo EMAIL logo
Published/Copyright: September 25, 2024
Become an author with De Gruyter Brill
Submit Manuscript Author Information
Materials Testing
From the journal Materials Testing Volume 66 Issue 11

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of post-oxidation duration on the wear performance and microstructural features of AISI 4140 steel subjected to nitrocarburizing followed by post-oxidation. For this aim, the quenched and tempered AISI 4140 samples were nitrocarburized (NC) and post-oxidized (PO) at various times (45–180 min) under low vacuum. Microstructural features were investigated using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum analysis (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and microhardness test. Wear behavior was evaluated using a ball-on-disk tribometer. Experimental results showed that the structures consisting of nitride layer (ε-Fe2–3N) and γ′-Fe4N + iron oxide (Fe3O4) were obtained at the top surfaces of the samples. Increasing post-oxidation times resulted in a notable enhancement in the thickness of the Fe3O4 layer. The growing Fe3O4 layer has induced the closing of micro porosities for further post-oxidizing times, leading to decreased surface roughness of the samples. It was determined that the post-oxidation times have no significant effect on the hardness profiles of NC + PO samples. The highest (0.375) and lowest (0.276) mean coefficient of friction was obtained in the post-oxidation times of 150 and 180 min, respectively. The best wear rate was obtained in the post-oxidized sample for 150 min.

Keywords: AISI 4140 steel; nitrocarburizing; post-oxidation; oxide layer; wear behavior
Corresponding author: Volkan Kilicli, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Gazi University, 06560, Teknikokullar, Ankara, Türkiye, E-mail:

Funding source: Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization of Turkey (KOSGEB)

Award Identifier / Grant number: KOSGEB Project No: 2019/10/6;6570

About the authors

Ummihan T. Yilmaz

Prof. Dr. Ummihan T. Yilmaz was born in 1978 and works at the Department of Chemistry, Kirikkale University, Kirikkale, Turkey. She also works as an adviser in the R&D department of Doksan Heat Treatment and R&D Center, Ankara, Turkey. She received her BSc degree from the Department of Chemistry, Gazi University in 2000. She received his MSc and PhD degrees from Gazi University in 2003 and 2008, respectively. Her areas of interest include analytical chemistry, surface treatments, and heat treatments of steels.

Ayse Erkan

Mrs. Ayse Erkan was born in 1957 and is a Director of Research and Development (R&D) at Doksan Heat Treatment and R&D Center, Ankara, Turkey. She received her BSc degree from the Department of Metallurgical Engineering, Middle East Technical University, in 1980. Her research interests include heat treatments of steels and cast irons.

Neset Akar

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Neset Akar was born in 1973 and works at the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey. He graduated from the Department of Metallurgy Education from Gazi University in 1996. He received his MSc and PhD degrees from Gazi University in 2000 and 2006, respectively. His research interests include casting technologies, computer-aided casting design, and semi-solid processing of aluminum alloys.

Volkan Kilicli

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Volkan Kilicli was born in 1980 and works at the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey. He graduated from the Department of Metallurgy Education from Gazi University in 2001. He received his MSc and PhD degrees from Gazi University in 2004 and 2010, respectively. His research interests include heat treatments of steels and cast irons, semi-solid processing of aluminum alloys, self-healing metallic materials, and metal matrix composites.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization of Turkey (KOSGEB No: 2019/10/6;6570) for financial support of this study.

  1. Research ethics: Not applicable.

  2. Informed consent: Not applicable.

  3. Author contributions: Ummihan T. Yilmaz: Experimental studies (heat treatments and microstructural characterization), paper writing, fund acquisition. Ayse Erkan: Experimental studies (heat treatments), creating figures. Neset Akar: Experimental studies (wear test), paper writing, and editing. Volkan Kilicli: Conceptualization, paper writing, and reviewing.

  4. Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.

  5. Competing interests: The authors state no conflict of interest.

  6. Research funding: This study was funded by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization of Turkey (KOSGEB No: 2019/10/6;6570).

  7. Data availability: The raw data can be obtained on request from the corresponding author.

References

[1] E. Saraç and N. A. Özbek, “Effect of tempering temperature on mechanical properties and microstructure of AISI 4140 and AISI 4340 tempered steels,” Mater. Test., vol. 64, no. 6, pp. 832–841, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1515/mt-2021-2151.Search in Google Scholar

[2] M. Kam and H. Saruhan, “Vibration damping capacity of deep cryogenic treated AISI 4140 steel shaft supported by rolling element bearings,” Mater. Test., vol. 63, no. 8, pp. 742–747, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1515/mt-2020-0118.Search in Google Scholar

[3] H. Chandler, Heat Treater’s Guide Practices and Procedures, Metals Park, OH, USA, ASM International, 1995.Search in Google Scholar

[4] F. Koçyiğit, F. Yıldız, M. S. Gök, and V. V. Çay, “Dry-sliding wear behavior of AISI 4140 barrel steel at elevated temperatures,” Mater. Test., vol. 62, no. 2, pp. 189–195, 2020, https://doi.org/10.3139/120.111469.Search in Google Scholar

[5] T. Kursun and T. Teker, “Weld quality and productivity of AISI 4140 steel welded by unpulsed and pulsed GMAW,” Mater. Test., vol. 60, no. 2, pp. 149–155, 2018, https://doi.org/10.3139/120.111136.Search in Google Scholar

[6] P. Wongpanya, T. Wongpinij, P. Photongkam, C. Euaruksakul, and N. Witit-anun, “Effects of the thickness on the microstructure and corrosion behavior of a TiAlN film on 4140 steel,” Mater. Test., vol. 57, no. 5, pp. 385–392, 2015, https://doi.org/10.3139/120.110724.Search in Google Scholar

[7] I. Lee, “Plasma post oxidation of nitrocarburized AISI 4140 steel,” Rare Metals, vol. 25, no. 6, pp. 267–271, 2006, https://doi.org/10.1016/s1001-0521(08)60095-9.Search in Google Scholar

[8] M. H. Sohi, M. Ebrahimi, A. H. Raouf, and F. Mahboubi, “Effect of plasma nitrocarburizing temperature on the wear behavior of AISI 4140 steel,” Surf. Coat. Technol., vol. 205, pp. S84–S89, 2010. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfcoat.2010.04.054.Search in Google Scholar

[9] M. Mirjani, J. Mazrooei, N. Karimzadeh, and F. Ashrafizadeh, “Investigation of the effects of time and temperature of oxidation on corrosion behavior of plasma nitrided AISI 4140 steel,” Surf. Coat. Technol., vol. 206, no. 21, pp. 4389–4393, 2012, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfcoat.2012.04.064.Search in Google Scholar

[10] A. Medina, C. Aguilar, L. Béjar, J. Oseguera, A. Ruíz, E. Huape, “Effects of post-discharge nitriding on the structural and corrosion properties of 4140 alloyed steel,” Surf. Coat. Technol., vol. 366, pp. 248–254, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfcoat.2019.03.043.Search in Google Scholar

[11] Y. Kaplan, A. Yildirim, and S. Aksoz, “The effect of oxidation process after nitrocarburization on tribological properties of AISI 4140 steel,” J. Polytechnic-Politeknik Dergisi, vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 1357–1362, 2020, https://doi.org/10.2339/politeknik.585031.Search in Google Scholar

[12] U. T. Yilmaz, B. Pehlivanli, A. Erkan, and V. Kilicli, “Effect of nitrocarburizing and post-oxidation processes on the microstructure and surface properties of AISI 4140 steel,” J. Polytechnic-Politeknik Dergisi, vol. 26, no. 4, pp. 1405–1412, 2023, https://doi.org/10.2339/politeknik.984197.Search in Google Scholar

[13] H. Du and J. ågren, “Theoretical treatment of nitriding and nitrocarburizing of iron,” Metall. Mater. Trans. A, vol. 27, no. 4, pp. 1073–1080, 1996, https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02649776.Search in Google Scholar

[14] R. Sola, R. Giovanardi, P. Veronesi, and G. Poli, “Improvement of wear and corrosion resistance of ferrous alloys by post-nitrocarburizing treatments,” Metall. Sci. Technol., vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 14–24, 2011.Search in Google Scholar

[15] W. L. Chen, et al.., “Phase transformations in the nitrocarburizing surface of carbon steels revisited by microstructure and property characterizations,” Acta Mater., vol. 61, no. 11, pp. 3963–3972, 2013, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2013.02.058.Search in Google Scholar

[16] A. Dalke, I. Burlacov, H.-J. Spies, and H. Biermann, “Use of a solid carbon precursor for DC plasma nitrocarburizing of AISI 4140 steel,” Vacuum, vol. 149, no. 1, pp. 146–149, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vacuum.2017.12.033.Search in Google Scholar

[17] A. Alsaran, F. Yildiz, and A. Çelik, “Effects of post-aging on wear and corrosion properties of nitrided AISI 4140 steel,” Surf. Coat. Technol., vol. 201, no. 6, pp. 3147–3154, 2006, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfcoat.2006.06.033.Search in Google Scholar

[18] M. U. Devi, T. Chakraborty, O. N. Mohanty, “Wear behaviour of plasma nitrided tool steels,” Surf. Coat. Technol., vol. 116–119, pp. 212–221, 1999, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0257-8972(99)00118-8.Search in Google Scholar

[19] A. Çelik and S. Karadeniz, “Improvement of the fatigue strength of AISI 4140 steel by an ion nitriding process,” Surf. Coat. Technol., vol. 72, no. 3, pp. 169–173, 1995, https://doi.org/10.1016/0257-8972(94)02348-4.Search in Google Scholar

[20] K. Genel, M. Demirkol, and M. Capa, “Effect of ion nitriding on fatigue behaviour of AISI 4140 steel,” Mater. Sci. Eng. A, vol. 279, nos. 1–2, pp. 207–216, 2000, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-5093(99)00689-9.Search in Google Scholar

[21] Y. Li, L. Wang, D. Zhang, and L. Shen, “Improvement of corrosion resistance of nitrided low alloy steel by plasma post-oxidation,” Appl. Surf. Sci., vol. 256, no. 13, pp. 4149–4152, 2010, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2010.01.099.Search in Google Scholar

[22] Y. Qiang, S. Ge, and Q. Xue, “Microstructure and tribological properties of complex nitrocarburized steel,” J. Mater. Process. Technol., vol. 101, nos. 1–3, pp. 180–185, 2000, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0924-0136(00)00466-0.Search in Google Scholar

[23] Y. W. Cho, Y. J. Kang, J. H. Baek, J. H. Woo, and Y. R. Cho, “Investigation of microstructure, nanohardness and corrosion resistance for oxi-nitrocarburized low carbon steel,” Metals, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 190–200, 2019, https://doi.org/10.3390/met9020190.Search in Google Scholar

[24] J. Hong, Y. Cho, D. Kim, J. Baek, and K. Lee, “Plasma post-oxidation process for nitrocarburized layer,” Surf. Coat. Technol., vol. 131, nos. 1–3, pp. 547–551, 2000, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0257-8972(00)00852-5.Search in Google Scholar

[25] E.-K. Jeon, I. M. Park, I. Lee, “Plasma post-oxidation of nitrocarburized SUM 24L steel,” Mater. Sci. Eng. A, vol. 449–451, pp. 868–871, 2007, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2006.02.413.Search in Google Scholar

[26] P. Steyer, J. P. Millet, H. Mazille, J. P. Peyre, P. Jacquot, and D. Hertz, “Influence of post-treatments on corrosion behaviour of gas nitrocarburised steels,” Surf. Eng., vol. 19, no. 3, pp. 173–178, 2013, https://doi.org/10.1179/026708403225006159.Search in Google Scholar

[27] N. Mandkarian and F. Mahboubi, “Effect of gas mixture of plasma post-oxidation on corrosion properties of plasma nitrocarburised AISI 4130 steel,” Vacuum, vol. 83, no. 7, pp. 1036–1042, 2009, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vacuum.2009.01.010.Search in Google Scholar

[28] A. Esfahani, M. H. Sohi, J. Rassizadehghani, and F. Mahboubi, “Effect of treating atmosphere in plasma post-oxidation of nitrocarburized AISI 5115 steel,” Vacuum, vol. 82, no. 3, pp. 346–351, 2007, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vacuum.2007.05.005.Search in Google Scholar

[29] M. L. Fares, K. Chaoui, and J. Le Coze, “Post-oxidizing effects on surface characteristics of salt bath nitrocarburized AISI 02 tool steel type,” Surf. Interface Anal., vol. 41, no. 7, pp. 549–559, 2009, https://doi.org/10.1002/sia.3059.Search in Google Scholar

[30] M. Kulka, D. Panfil, J. Michalski, P. Wach, “The effects of laser surface modification on the microstructure and properties of gas-nitrided 42CrMo4 steel,” Opt. Laser. Technol., vol. 82, pp. 203–219, 2016, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optlastec.2016.02.021.Search in Google Scholar

[31] K. Marušić, H. Otmačić, D. Landek, F. Cajner, and E. Stupnišek-Lisac, “Modification of carbon steel surface by the Tenifer® process of nitrocarburizing and post-oxidation,” Surf. Coat. Technol., vol. 201, no. 6, pp. 3415–3421, 2006, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfcoat.2006.07.231.Search in Google Scholar

[32] M. Ebrahimi, M. H. Sohi, A. H. Raouf, F. Mahboubi, “Effect of plasma nitriding temperature on the corrosion behavior of AISI 4140 steel before and after oxidation,” Surf. Coat. Technol., vol. 205, pp. S261–S266, 2010, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfcoat.2010.07.115.Search in Google Scholar

[33] A. E. Muñoz-Castro, et al.., “The corrosion enhancement due to plasma post-oxidation subsequent to plasma nitriding of a steel AISI 4140,” Acta Physica Polonica A, vol. 128, no. 5, pp. 824–828, 2015, https://doi.org/10.12693/APhysPolA.128.824.Search in Google Scholar

[34] J. Wu, X. Ye, H. Li, J. Hu, “A study of the influence of plasma post-oxidizing on the corrosion resistance,” Vacuum, vol. 111, pp. 110–113, 2015, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vacuum.2014.09.021.Search in Google Scholar

[35] Standard Test Method for Wear and Friction Testing with a Pin-On-Disk or Ball-On-Disk Apparatus, ASTM International, ASTM G99-23, 2024 [Online]. Available at: https://www.astm.org/standards/g99.Search in Google Scholar

[36] A. Leineweber, T. Gressmann, and E. J. Mittemeijer, “Simultaneous control of the nitrogen and carbon activities during nitrocarburising of iron,” Surf. Coat. Technol., vol. 206, nos. 11–12, pp. 2780–2791, 2012, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfcoat.2011.11.035.Search in Google Scholar

[37] A. C. Fischer-Cripps, “The Hertzian contact surface,” J. Mater. Sci., vol. 34, no. 1, pp. 129–137, 1999, https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1004490230078.10.1023/A:1004490230078Search in Google Scholar
Published Online: 2024-09-25
Published in Print: 2024-11-26

© 2024 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston

Articles in the same Issue

  1. Frontmatter
  2. Crushing performance of an additively manufactured bio-inspired hybrid energy absorption profile
  3. Implant bone screw characteristics of a printed PLA-based material
  4. Effect of deformation on the mechanical property of reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steel refined by closed-dual equal channel angular pressing
  5. Effect of post-oxidation times in the nitrocarburizing process on the wear behavior of an AISI 4140 steel
  6. Production of (B4C+FeTi) reinforced and Fe based composites by mechanical alloying
  7. Tensile strength of friction stir additive manufactured laminated AA 6061/TiC/GS composites
  8. Microstructure evolution of AlSi10Mg alloy in RAP process
  9. Wear behaviour of titanium diboride and zirconium carbide reinforced LM13 hybrid composite for automotive applications
  10. Influence of post heat treatment on tribological and microstructural properties of plasma wire arc additive manufactured maraging steels
  11. Artificial neural network infused quasi oppositional learning partial reinforcement algorithm for structural design optimization of vehicle suspension components
  12. Optimization of vehicle conceptual design problems using an enhanced hunger games search algorithm
  13. Optimization of vehicle crashworthiness problems using recent twelve metaheuristic algorithms
  14. Development of zeolite 5A-incorporated polyvinyl alcohol membrane for desalination by pervaporation
  15. Characterization of bauxite residue filled sisal/glass fiber reinforced hybrid composites for structural applications
  16. Microstructure and mechanical properties of Al2O3/AZ61 Mg alloy surface composite developed using friction stir processing and groove reinforcement filling processes
  17. Method for the design and evaluation of binary sensitivity tests
https://doi.org/10.1515/mt-2024-0062
Keywords for this article
AISI 4140 steel; nitrocarburizing; post-oxidation; oxide layer; wear behavior

Articles in the same Issue

  1. Frontmatter
  2. Crushing performance of an additively manufactured bio-inspired hybrid energy absorption profile
  3. Implant bone screw characteristics of a printed PLA-based material
  4. Effect of deformation on the mechanical property of reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steel refined by closed-dual equal channel angular pressing
  5. Effect of post-oxidation times in the nitrocarburizing process on the wear behavior of an AISI 4140 steel
  6. Production of (B4C+FeTi) reinforced and Fe based composites by mechanical alloying
  7. Tensile strength of friction stir additive manufactured laminated AA 6061/TiC/GS composites
  8. Microstructure evolution of AlSi10Mg alloy in RAP process
  9. Wear behaviour of titanium diboride and zirconium carbide reinforced LM13 hybrid composite for automotive applications
  10. Influence of post heat treatment on tribological and microstructural properties of plasma wire arc additive manufactured maraging steels
  11. Artificial neural network infused quasi oppositional learning partial reinforcement algorithm for structural design optimization of vehicle suspension components
  12. Optimization of vehicle conceptual design problems using an enhanced hunger games search algorithm
  13. Optimization of vehicle crashworthiness problems using recent twelve metaheuristic algorithms
  14. Development of zeolite 5A-incorporated polyvinyl alcohol membrane for desalination by pervaporation
  15. Characterization of bauxite residue filled sisal/glass fiber reinforced hybrid composites for structural applications
  16. Microstructure and mechanical properties of Al2O3/AZ61 Mg alloy surface composite developed using friction stir processing and groove reinforcement filling processes
  17. Method for the design and evaluation of binary sensitivity tests
Sign up now to receive a 20% welcome discount
Institutional Access
How does access work?
Have an idea on how to improve our website?
Please write us.
© 2025 De Gruyter Brill
Downloaded on 19.9.2025 from https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/mt-2024-0062/html
Scroll to top button