Influence of Quenching and Tempering on the Tribological and Corrosion Behavior of Plasma‐Nitrided Society of Automotive Engineers 52100

Society of automotive engineers (SAE) 52100 (100Cr6) steel, used in manufacturing bearings and shafts, deserves attention due to wear and corrosion problems that cause machine losses in the industry. To solve these problems, heat treatments such as quenching and tempering are adopted to reduce wear mechanisms. However, in this work, the effect of these previous heat treatments on the final properties of plasma nitrided steel at three different temperatures (400, 450, and 500 °C) is evaluated. Surface hardness, tribological behavior, and corrosion resistance are evaluated. In the results of Vickers hardness, wear, and electrochemical analysis, it is shown that performing plasma nitriding at 400 and 450 °C on previously heat‐treated SAE 52100 steel provides better mechanical resistance and chemical integrity in a corrosive environment, making the studied steel more comprehensive for important industrial applications. Quench‐tempering and plasma nitriding at low temperatures in society of automotive engineers (SAE) 52100 steel show a significant increase surface hardness. This results in better wear resistance. Steel also shows better anticorrosive performance for all nitrided samples. SAE 52100 steel submitted to the presented processes can present greater durability and consequent industrial productivity when used in mechanical devices under corrosive environments.