Abstract

X-ray diffraction, optical and electron microscopy were used to analyze microstructural variations in the surface layers of martensite chromium containing steels after low-energy, high-current-density ion implantation. These data show that nitrogen implantation produces solid solutions and precipitates of new phases in surface layers that are several micrometers thick. Phases formed are controlled by the virgin microstructure of blocks, the temperature of implantation and the ion fluence. The influence of processing length and ion beam current density are also considered.