Investigating the possibilities of nitrocarburizing of cast aluminium alloys in a gas environment

Aluminum alloys play a crucial role in transport industry, especially in the manufacturing of automobile and aircraft components, as well as various constructive parts. These materials possess exceptional corrosion resistance, excellent thermal conductivity and the ability to significantly reduce the overall weight of the transport vehicles, thereby minimizing the relative consumption of fuel. However, their mechanical properties fall short when compared to steel, prompting scientists to develop different surface technologies in order to enhance hardness and wear resistance. Thermo – chemical surface treatment is a conventional diffusion method employed for this purpose over the years. Investigated in the paper is the potential of low-temperature gas nitro-carburizing to enhance the hardness of samples of widely used aluminum alloy AlSi10Mg (Fe). Metallography and Xray analyses are presented, allowing close examination of variation in microhardness across the surface, through the diffusion zone and the core material. The results obtained pave the way for further investigations and research in the field of surface technologies for aluminium alloys.