Electrochemical corrosion properties of AISI304 steel treated by low-temperature plasma immersion ion implantation

Although seldom investigated before, low-temperature nitrogen plasma immersion ion implantation improves the corrosion resistance of AISI304 stainless steel. The proposed method, which is compatible to complex-shaped and large industrial components as well as applicable to niche applications in which low treatment temperature is required, is experimentally shown to not only make nitrogen rich in the top surface but also increase the thickness of the layer containing Cr₂O₃ oxides. Both effects synergistically mitigate surface corrosion reactions. Consequently, a special layer structure with different chemical states as well as different corrosion behavior is observed at different depths.