Nitriding of stainless steel

[Eburonia]

I'm reading a topic about stainless steel nitriding at high temperatures > 480 C which is mainly caused by gaseous NH3.
I read nothing about N2, does N2 not react with the stainless steel?

thanks in advance

 

The lower end of the nitriding temperature range is usually given as 495°. NH3 is in fact used for the nitriding atmosphere, so there definitely is potential. N2 will react with nitride formers, led by Al (the strongest), but also including Cr. I would be concerned about local Cr depletion and loss of corrosion protection, but I have no hard information to pass on about that.

ASM

"Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but they are not entitled to their own facts."

 

[EdStainless]

I have ion (plasma) nitrided 304L.
We were doing this at 500-550C (I don't recall exactly).
It can be done at lower temp, such as 360-400C.
At lower temp you don't form Cr nitrides and there is no impact on corrosion resistance.
Look up papers by Swagelok.

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P.E. Metallurgy, Plymouth Tube