Influence of PIP/LQ composite process on properties of gun steel

doi:10.13251/j.issn.0254-6051.2025.02.048

Abstract

Abstract: A composite treatment combining the advantages of two processes, PIP (Programable ion permeation) and laser quenching (LQ) for the gun steel material 25Cr3Mo3NiNbZr steel was performed to enhance its surface properties. After pretreatment of quenching and tempering, the tested steel was treated with PIP followed by laser quenching at different scanning speeds. Properties of the specimens were characterized by metallographic observation, XRD analysis, microhardness test, electrochemical corrosion and neutral salt spray test. The results show that scanned at the laser energy density of 2.31-3.00 J/mm², part of the compound layer decomposes, reducing the surface hardness, nitrogen-containing martensite generates in the diffusion layer, and the peak hardness of the subsurface layer is improved. Laser scanning speed of 39 mm/s (laser energy density of 2.31 J/mm²) is determined for the optimum process, when scanned at this speed, the microstructure is refined, more nitrogen-containing martensite transforms, less nitrides lose in the surface layer, and the eggshell effect is effectively alleviated. The corrosion resistance of the PIP/LQ composite process treated specimens is lower than that of the PIP treated specimens but still higher than that of the untreated specimens. It is concluded that the PIP/LQ composite process is feasible to improve the surface properties of gun steel.

Key words: 25Cr3Mo3NiNbZr steel, programable ion permeation(PIP), laser quenching(QL), hardness, corrosion resistance

CLC Number:

TG156.8⁺2

Luo Yisong, Wang Fangzhou, Zhu Wei, Chen Shengyi, Luo Defu. Influence of PIP/LQ composite process on properties of gun steel[J]. Heat Treatment of Metals, 2025, 50(2): 298-303.

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