A Modified Vacuum Gas Carburizing Process To Improve Corrosion And Wear Resistance Of Nitrogen Martensitic Stainless Steels In Salt water Environments

This small business Innovation Research Phase I proposal to the Department of Defense requests $80,000 for support for Magna-Tech P/M Labs to develop a carburizing process to optimize the corrosion resistance of nitrogen martensitic stainless steel. This proposal responds to Navy Topic Number N093-175 “Innovative Materials for Highly Loaded Wear Application in Arresting Gear Tailhook Components”. An additional $70,000 option to modify the thermal process to include carbonitriding of the surface would be requested. The thermal process will permit nitrogen martensitic stainless steels to sustain 200 hours in a marine environment while providing a wear resistant surface. Phase I activities include development of a low pressure vacuum carburization process to provide surface hardness of 58 HRC to a depth of 1 mm. The technology will prevent depletion of chromium from the grain boundaries of the steel, thereby improving the corrosion resistance. The process would be modified to permit nitriding as well as carburization as option. This adaptation would further improve corrosion resistance while providing improved surface wear resistance. A Phase II program would adapt the process developed to carburize prototype Navy arresting gear tailhook components, and establish a company to service military and commercial requirements.