In Perm, the effectiveness of domestic systems for strengthening steel components has been successfully demonstrated.

In the production of pipeline fittings, the method of ion-plasma nitriding is used to enhance the characteristics of metal products. This technique creates a protective layer on the surface of the item, which improves resistance to the formation of microcracks, as well as increases strength and corrosion resistance. This method is environmentally friendly, easy to manage, and versatile for strengthening all types of steels and alloys. However, the active use of ion nitriding in industry in Russia began relatively recently, and the necessary equipment was developed much later than in other countries. Nonetheless, domestic installations already exist. Researchers at Perm Polytechnic University have conducted comparative studies of the modified layers obtained using both European and Russian equipment for the first time.

2024-10-11 07:33:08https://naked-science.ru/article/column/effektivnost-otechestvenn

The article was published in the journal "Izvestiya Vuzov. Powder Metallurgy and Functional Coatings," 2024. The research was conducted as part of the strategic academic leadership program "Priority-2030."

In numerous industrial sectors, the quality of pipes and shut-off and regulating equipment is crucial not only for the uninterrupted transportation of liquids and gases but also for the overall accident-free operation of production facilities. The operational characteristics of products made from metals and alloys can be significantly enhanced through surface protective coatings. Among the most promising options for this purpose is ion-plasma nitriding. During the treatment process, nitrogen ions penetrate the material's structure, creating a surface layer that increases the hardness and wear resistance of the metal.

This technology has only recently been adopted in Russian industry. However, the modern installations currently produced are already competitive with their foreign counterparts. In the interest of import substitution, domestic enterprises are actively developing this area, exploring new types of products and technologies to enhance the reliability and quality of production. Nevertheless, comparing the results obtained with foreign counterparts is an important aspect of improving the Russian valve manufacturing sector.

Scientists from Perm Polytechnic University have presented comparative data for the first time, obtained using equipment from different manufacturers (Bulgaria and Russia). They examined the results of forming protective layers on steels widely used in the production of pipeline fittings.

For the experiments, the polytechnics selected four different grades of chromium-nickel steel. These were subjected to ion nitriding on both installations under identical processing conditions. Subsequently, they thoroughly investigated the microstructure and microhardness of the nitrided layers.

“The results showed that surface modification of the metal led to an increase in the hardness of all grades, and the samples maintained a uniform structure without external defects. Moreover, the effect of using the domestic installation turned out to be even better in some aspects of processing. The maximum result was observed on steel 07Х16Н6, with its surface microhardness increasing fivefold. The minimum increase (2.8 times) was noted for steel 12Х18Н10Т,” says Svetlana Porozova, Doctor of Technical Sciences and Professor of the Department of Mechanics of Composite Materials and Structures at PNIPU.

The research by the scientists at Perm Polytechnic University has proven that Russian equipment for ion-plasma nitriding is on par with foreign equipment and demonstrates comparable, commendable results in strengthening the surface of metal parts. Import substitution in the valve manufacturing sector will ensure the preservation of product quality.