The Role of Carbides in Formation of Surface Layer on Steel X153CrMoV12 Due to Low-Pressure Nitriding (Vacuum Nitriding)

The mechanism of formation of surface layer on steel X153CrMoV12 in the process of vacuum nitriding (low-pressure nitriding) in a universal vacuum furnace in an atmosphere of dissociated ammonia at a pressure of 30 x 10(2) Pa (30 mbar) is studied by the methods of light microscopy and measurement of microhardness. The chemical composition of the nitrided layers is determined.