Modeling of Microstructural Development During the Nitriding of Low Alloy Steels

The microstructural development in alloys 4140 and 5130M during nitriding has been experimentally determined.  X-ray diffraction, SEM and TEM were used for phase identification. The results are compared with model predictions from NitriTool©  and ThermoCalc.  Excellent agreement is found in terms of the kinetics and phase evolution. Applications of these models to other alloys and processes will be discussed.