The rf plasma carbonitriding of AISI-304 austenitic stainless steel was examined as a function of plasma time. The properties of the carbonitrided layer were determined using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and microhardness testing. For the sample treated for 10 min, the rate of carbonitriding was calculated to be ∼0.5 μm2/s. The surface hardness of the carbonitrided layer ... Read more