A Proposed Nitrogen Alloyed Stainless Steel With Innovative Thermal Processing For Superior Performance

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase 1 proposal to the Department of Defense requests $80,000 support for Magna-Tech to demonstrate feasibility of a nitrogen martensitic stainless steel with high corrosion resistance and robust tribology performance.This proposal responds to Navy Topic Number N093-166, “Adjusted Nitrogen Alloyed Stainless Steel with Optimized Thermal Processing for Superior Balanced Performance”. Magna-Tech will synthesize three nitrogen martensitic stainless steel atomized powders containing various nitrogen content. These powders will be hot isostatically pressed to theoretical density and then carburized or nitrided to improve shear stability, and avoid adhesive wear and scuffing. Corrosion resistance will be enhanced through alloying additions, which will prevent reaction with corrosion inhibited oils. Phase I activities involve nitrogen gas atomization of the three innovative powder compositions, hot isostatic pressing to full density, and development of a thermal heat treatment to provide a tougher, more wear resistant core, while providing a hard martensitic surface that will have shear stability to resist adhesive wear and subsequent scuffing. Preliminary testing will be accomplished to demonstrate improvement in corrosion resistance, wear resistance and toughness of the core material.