The project LIDER/3/0025/L-12/20/NCBR/2021 focuses on developing a new method for implementing ferritic nitrocarburizing technology, which is still widely used in industry for both older structural solutions and new projects, especially in the automotive sector.
So far, the most widespread in the global industry are three variants of this technology. The immersion method, which due to its environmental impact is becoming less common, the most common gas method, and the latest variants - plasma or ion.
The project aims to develop ferritic nitrocarburizing technology, which will be implemented under low-pressure conditions. The novelty lies in the use of reduced pressure and the organization of the process involving successive segments of gas dosing (ammonia and acetylene) and holding segments, where the diffusion of elements into the material occurs. A very important feature of the developed technology is also its optimization for application on existing universal vacuum furnaces, which, depending on the equipment version and manufacturer, with minor modifications or even just changes in software, will be ready to implement the new technological process.
The project involves two stages.
The first stage is applied research - the physicochemical phenomena accompanying the ferritic nitrocarburizing process under reduced pressure conditions will be investigated, a process organization model ensuring the correct structure of the formed surface layers and their growth rate will be developed, and measures will be taken to ensure the absence of synthesis of hazardous or environmentally burdensome substances during the process.
The second stage includes developmental work aimed at developing target technological parameters for processes for selected groups of materials. It is planned to determine the influence of technological process parameters on the functional properties of the obtained surface layers.
The total cost of implementing the Project is 1,454,762.13 PLN.
