Changes in surface properties of nitrogen-implanted AISI316L stainless steel

The effect of nitrogen ion implantation with an energy of 125 keV and doses of 1 × 1017–1 × 1018 at/cm2 on such tribological characteristics of AISI316L stainless steel as the friction coefficient, wear resistance, and microhardness was studied. The steel surface layer composition was studied by the methods of RBS, XRD, GXRD, SEM, and EDX. The friction coefficient and abrasion resistance of AISI316L stainless steel were measured in air, oxygen and argon atmospheres, and in vacuum. An increase in the abrasion resistance after implantation was detected, which was different for various media. The largest increase in the wear resistance was observed during testing in air. The largest decrease in the friction coefficient was observed for all implanted samples in argon atmosphere. Tribological tests resulted in an increase in nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen concentrations in worn sample fragments in comparison with their concentrations in surface layers immediately after implantation.