Abstract
Plasma sulfnitriding technology was employed to harden the surface of SKD61 steel. The plasma sulfnitriding was performed with 3 torr gas pressure at $580^{\circ}C$ for 20 hours. Plasma sulfnitriding resulted in the formation of very thin $2-3\mu\textrm{m}$ FeS sulfide layer on top of $15-20\mu\textrm{m}$ compound layer, which consisted of predominantly $\varepsilon$- $Fe{2-3}$ N and a second phase of $\Upsilon'-Fe_4$N. In comparision with plasma nitriding treatment, plasma sulfnitriding treatment showed better surface roughness and corrosion resistance due to the presence of the thin FeS layer. which coated microvoids and microcracks on top of the nitrided layer. It was also found that plasma sulfnitrided sample showed better wear resistance due to the presence of the thin FeS layer which acted as a solid lubricant.
