Surface modification of lean duplex stainless steels by low temperature plasma nitriding

Dou, Wenbo (2014). Surface modification of lean duplex stainless steels by low temperature plasma nitriding. University of Birmingham. M.Res.

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Abstract

Duplex stainless steels (DSS) have been considered as one of new materials for equipment used in the offshore gas and oil industry since these steels possess favourable mechanical and high corrosion-resistance properties. However, the surface hardness and wear resistance of DSS are relatively poor and it had shown that their wear in sea water is a major concern. Improving the wear resistance without losing corrosion resistance was an arduous challenge throughout the surface engineering industry. Recently, a new low-temperature plasma surface alloying technique has been developed to achieve combined improvements in hardness, wear resistance and fatigue properties for austenitic stainless steels without impairing their corrosion behaviour due to the formation of S-phase (Prof. Hanshan Dong, 2010). A great quantity reports have been published about S-phase in austenite stainless steels during the past two decades. A few researches have been reported on formation of S-phase in duplex stainless steels. However, no conclusions have been made and some disputes are still active. Hence, the aim of this project is to study the response of three duplex stainless steels on forming S-phase surface layer by low-temperature plasma nitriding.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Res.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Res.

Supervisor(s):