Abstract
Nitridation in alloys with compositions Fe-31 Mn-9Al-0.87C-xCr (x = 0, 3, 6) was investigated. The alloy developed a needle-like nitriding product of AIN in a nitrogen atmosphere at 1000-1100°C. The measured penetration depth and the evaluated nitriding rate increased with temperature and the chromium content in the alloy. A quasi-steady state diffusion model of nitrogen migration through the alloy has been employed to describe the kinetics of nitridation. The activation energy of the nitriding rate was also evaluated. © 1993 Chapman & Hall.