Comprehensive analysis of nitriding behavior and synergistic strengthening mechanism on quenched M50 steel

M50 secondary hardening steel is widely used as high-end bearing steel for engine shafts in the aerospace industry. In this study, plasma nitriding at different temperatures varying from 410 to 570 °C was performed on quenched M50 steel to investigate the response of the microstructure and mechanical properties to nitriding temperature and advance the scientific understanding of the mechanism involved. The nitrided samples were fully characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, electron microprobe analysis, Vickers hardness tester, and Pin-on-disc tribometer. The results revealed that the nitrided layer's thickness, microstructure, hardness, and wear resistance depended on the treatment temperature. When the nitriding treatment performs at secondary-hardening temperature, the samples were endowed with excellent wear resistance and gentle hardness profile, i.e., hardness profile with a gradually reducing hardness profile towards the core, attributed to the synergistic strengthening. Moreover, the thermodynamic calculation was involved to clarify the formation mechanism of coarse intergranular precipitation, which can be connected to form a wave shape line at higher temperatures.