Surface modification of INCONEL 718 superalloy by plasma immersion ion implantation

Superalloy are alloys developed for elevated temperatures applications, where relatively severe mechanical stressing is found, and a high surface stability is frequently required. Improvements in the surface properties of a wide range of alloys have been obtained by the implantation of nitrogen while field test results for industrial tools and components from a diverse range of applications have been positive. The objective of this work is to improve the mechanical surface properties of Inconel 718 by PIII (Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation - PIII). In these experiments, samples of Inconel 718 without heat treatment are used. Nitrogen ions in Inconel samples were implanted: a) for a period of one hour, and b) for a period of 3 hours. Tribological properties of PIII treated samples were compared with the ones for untreated samples are compared. The best result is obtained for the samples treated for 3 hours after 5000 cycles of an unlubricated pin-on-disk test, with very little wear. (AU) © 2010 by The Materials, Metals, & Materials Society. All rights reserved.