H. Aghajani, M. Soltanieh, F. Mahboubi, S. Rastegari and Kh. A. Nekouee,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (3-2009)
Abstract
Abstract: Formation of a hybrid coating by the use of plasma nitriding and hard chromium electroplating on the
surface of H11 hot work tool steel was investigated. Firstly, specimens were plasma nitrided at a temperature of 550
°C for 5 hours in an atmosphere of 25 vol. % H2: 75 vol. % N2. Secondly, electroplating was carried out in a solution
containing 250 g/L chromic acid and 2.5 g/L sulphuric acid for 1 hour at 60 °C temperature and 60 A/dm2 current
density. Thirdly, specimens were plasma nitrided at a temperature of 550 °C for 5 and 10 hours in an atmosphere of
25 vol. % H2: 75 vol. % N2. The obtained coatings have been compared in terms of composition and hardness. The
compositions of the coatings have been studied by X-ray diffraction analysis. The surface morphology and elemental
analysis was examined by using scanning electron microscopy. The improvement in hardness distribution after third
step is discussed in considering the forward and backward diffusion of nitrogen in the chromium interlayer. Also, the
formed phases in the hybrid coating were determined to be CrN+Cr2N+Cr+Fe2-3N+Fe4N.
