Influence of ZrN monolayer, multilayer, gradient film and duplex treatment on solid particle erosion behavior of stainless steel

The influence of ZrN monolayer, multilayer, gradient film and duplex treatment of plasma nitriding combined ZrN gradient film on solid particle erosion (SPE) behavior of 2Cr13 martensite stainless steel at grazing angle and normal angle was compared. The SPE mechanisms of these surface treatments were studied by measuring the hardness, toughness, bonding strength and supporting capacity under static and dynamical load conditions. Results show that all of the four surface treatments increased the hardness and anti-microcutting property of 2Cr13 steel surface. They hence improved the SPE resistance of the steel at 30 degree impingement angle. The duplex treatment of ZrN gradient film deposited on plasma nitrided 2Cr13 steel surface significantly improved the SPE resistance of the steel at 90 degree impingement angle because of the modified surface layer with gradient hardness distribution, continuous stress profile, high supporting capacity and plastic deformation resistance and multi-impact fatigue resistance. However, the SPE resistance of ZrN monolayer, multilayer and gradient film at 90 degree impingement angle is lower than that of 2Cr13 steel, because they were not strong enough to withstand multi-impact fatigue damage.